Mosquitoes & West Nile Virus
Take Steps Now to Protect Against West Nile Virus
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West Nile is a virus carried by mosquitoes that can cause illness in some people. It has made its presence known in North Carolina in recent years. Due to recent West Nile Virus activity in Wake County, officials are urging residents to take steps now to protect against this and other mosquito-borne diseases. |
To guard against mosquito bites, residents are encouraged to:
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Apply insect repellent,
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Wear long sleeves and long pants,
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Stay inside at dusk and dawn (when mosquitoes are most prevalent), and
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Make sure there are no tears or openings in window or door screens.
Another key to limiting the spread of disease is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Residents are encouraged to:
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Remove any containers that can hold water,
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Keep gutters clean and in good repair,
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Repair leaky outdoor faucets, and
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Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week.
Mosquito-related complaints can be reported to Wake County Environmental Services at 919-856-7400. Questions concerning human cases and symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases should be directed to Wake County Human Services Communicable Disease staff, 919-250-4462. For more information about West Nile Virus, call the N.C. Communicable Disease Section at 919-733-3419.