WEST NILE VIRUS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a
seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.
This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West
Nile virus.
What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. The best preventive
measure for residents living in areas infested with mosquitoes is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. To prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business:
DRAIN standing water:
- Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any
- other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
- Discarded old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other
- items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic
- swimming pools when not in use.
- COVER your skin with:
- CLOTHING – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes,
- socks, long pants and long sleeves.
- REPELLENT – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents
- according to the label. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- COVER doors and windows with screens:
- Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors,
- porches, and patios.
Can colloidal silver help?
No one knows for sure, but at $0.50 a day, it certainly is worth exploring. Studies conducted at major universities around the globe have demonstrated colloidal silver’s ability to kill virtually all viruses.
