The Plainville-Southington Regional Health District is warning about West Nile Virus. Last year ranked as the second worst year for reported cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United States. Connecticut reported 21 cases, with 12 of those cases being the severe type that can cause encephalitis. An interesting fact regarding all the Connecticut cases is that not one of the victims used insect repellent as a preventative measure. The Plainville-Southington Regional Health District reminds all residents that the easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. What you can do to prevent WNV: When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing an EPA-registered insect repellent. Follow the directions on the package. Repellents containing at least 5% – 20% DEET have been shown to provide the most effective protection time. Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants while outside during these times. Consider staying indoors during these hours as well. Use mosquito netting on baby carriages along with clothing to protect infants. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Get rid of mosquito breeding [...]
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