- Cover up exposed skin when outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to your exposed skin and clothing.
- Follow instructions on the product label, especially for children under 12.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water around your home that may provide mosquitoes a place to breed such as old tires or anything that can hold a little water undisturbed.
- Empty birdbaths and clean decorative ponds every three to six days.
- Repair or install screens on your home.
- If you have a horse, vaccinate it. One-third of horses infected by West Nile virus die.
- Hunters should wear latex gloves when field dressing and handling wild game.
- Cook meat thoroughly.
Don't Let West Nile Virus Keep You Indoors
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The first signs of West Nile virus have shown up in Idaho.
But the presence of West Nile virus is no reason to stop enjoying Idaho's great outdoors. Only a fraction of the mosquito population carries the virus, and only a few people who get bitten and infected get sick. Officials encourage people to take a few simple precautions against mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent that contains DEET and eliminating standing water around your home.
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become ill, though some may experience a mild fever, headaches and body aches. Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile will suffer serious complication such as inflammation of the brain or paralysis. In severe cases, infection can lead to death.
The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites. Simple tips for prevention include: