West Nile Virus is a potentially serious disease that is spread by mosquitoes. These insects bite birds that have been infected, then spread the disease to humans and other mammals when they bite them. According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) 1 in 150 people who contract West Nile Disease experience serious symptoms. These can include, but are not limited to:

high fever
headache
neck stiffness
disorientation
numbness and muscle weakness
tremors
coma
convulsions
vision loss
paralysis

As you can see, it’s incredibly important to stop the spread of this serious disease and to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure. Let’s discuss a few easy ways to protect yourself from West Nile Virus if you live in Northern Virginia.

Use Insect Repellant to Prevent Mosquito Bites

To prevent insect bites, be sure to regularly apply insect repellant when you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so be especially vigilant at these times. Choose a mosquito repellant that is EPA registered, and that lists mosquitoes on the label as an insect that it will protect you from. While natural insect repellants may seem effective, if there is no EPA registration number on the label, you cannot be sure that it has been tested against mosquitoes and will protect you appropriately from West Nile Virus.

Dress Appropriately When Outdoors

To prevent the spread of West Nile Virus through mosquito bites, cover your arms and legs when you’ll be outside in the mornings and evenings. Mosquitoes will not bite through clothing, so if you wear socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, you can dramatically reduce your chance of a mosquito bite, and therefore, your chances of contracting West Nile Virus.

Mosquito Proof Your Northern Virginia Yard

Walk through your yard each spring and remove any standing water that’s accumulated. Mosquitoes require water to breed, so if you take away their breeding habitat, they’ll relocate somewhere else. Remove pots, buckets, or other containers that will collect rainwater. Drill holes in plastic toys that might hold water, and be sure to change the water in bird baths and pet bowls on a regular basis – at least once every three days.

Encourage Others to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

If you notice that your neighborhood has many places that mosquitoes can breed, it might be a good idea to address the issue with your HOA, landlord, or directly with your neighbors. Not everyone is aware of the dangers of West Nile Virus, or of how easily it can be prevented. Often, education is the key to prevention.

Check Your Windows and Screens

Each spring, check the screens in your windows and exterior doors carefully. Mosquitoes can enter through small tears or rips in the screen, so if your window screens are damaged, take the time to patch or replace them. This will help prevent mosquitoes from entering your Northern Virginia home and spreading disease.