With fall officially here, cooler temperatures typically bring more outdoor activities and with that comes a risk of more incidents of West Nile virus (WNV) infections—in fact, fall is considered the most active season for WNV infections. The City of Richardson tests mosquitoes each year from April through the end of October, and sprays areas if/where WNV is detected in mosquito samples.
You can reduce your risk of WNV by following the Four Ds of Protection:
- DRAIN standing water around the home
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- Avoid being outdoors at DUSK/DAWN
- DRESS to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants
Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Website: Mosquito Control at Home and in the Yard (tamu.edu)
Website: www.cor.net/mosquito
