ERIE, Pa. -- Zika virus, La Crosse encephalitis and West Nile virus.
A trio of mosquito-borne illnesses have made news in recent months, sparking people to ask how they can reduce their risk of contracting these rare but potentially serious diseases.
"Right now in northwestern Pennsylvania, our concern is focused on the mosquitoes that carry West Nile, because we know they live and breed here," said Karen Tobin, director of environmental health for the Erie County Department of Health. "We find them in the county each year."
The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of bites, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chances you get bitten.
Use insect repellent. Products with deet offer the best protection, Tobin said. Other repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol.
Always follow the product label's instructions and reapply repellent every few hours. Do not spray repellent on skin under your clothes, and if you use sunscreen, apply it before you use repellent.
Wear proper clothing. "If you are headed outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants," Tobin said.
Treat clothing and shoes with the repellent permethrin, though do not apply it directly to your skin. Permethrin will last through several washings.
Fix screens. Repair any holes in your screens or cracks in your windows, Tobin said. The mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are more likely to be found in houses than the ones that spread West Nile virus.
Remove standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in and near standing water, so clear your gutters and drain unused birdbaths, wading pools, flower pots or anything else that can collect water.
"If you have a small pond, you can purchase mosquito dunks and place them in the water," Tobin said. "They repel mosquitoes and are not harmful to people, plants, pets and aquatic life."
DAVID BRUCE can be reached at 870-1736 or by email. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNbruce.
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