Tips for Avoiding West Nile virus in '04

1. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens.

2. Use mosquito repellants

3. Eliminate standing water

4. Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

5. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed shoes.

6. Encourage local officials to treat small ponds with larvacide and consider stocking larger ponds with larva eating fish as additional control.

7. Ensure that organizers of summertime activities for youth and the elderly — such as summer camps, park and recreation centers, and senior centers ¾ are proactively using pest control strategies and products.

8. Beware of the times mosquitoes are most active; typically at dusk and dawn and avoid prime mosquito locations including marshes and wetlands.

9. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use keep covered.

10. Learn more about your community’s mosquito control program. Ensure that local community leaders are giving protection to the public through integrated mosquito management programs.

Dr. Kim Thompson, a specialist in risk analysis at the Harvard School of Public Health