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DRAIN, DUNK & PROTECT Homeowners can help reduce pesky mosquito population and prevent West Nile Virus HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio - After a long, cold winter, we are all happy to be welcoming warmer weather back to Hamilton County. But, with the return of warm weather, we should also expect the return of mosquitoes. The Hamilton County General Health District is advising homeowners to Drain, Dunk and Protect now and throughout the summer to help reduce the mosquito population and the risk of mosquito-born illnesses such as West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram suggests three simple steps you can take to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home and avoid mosquito bites: DRAIN *Remove any standing water from your property. Some typical items homeowners should check for standing water include old tires, pet bowls, buckets, flower pots, children's toys, and similar items that could hold stagnant water and become mosquito breeding sites. *Clean up litter or other incidental items in your yard. Even something as small as an upturned bottle cap can become a breeding site for thousands of mosquito larvae. *Change the water in birdbaths every three to four days. *Drain small puddles after heavy rainstorms. DUNK *Apply mosquito larvicide, sometimes called mosquito "dunks," to areas of standing water that cannot be drained. The "dunks" are environmentally safe and won't harm pets. PROTECT *Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed. *Make sure windows have tight-fitting screens - repair tears or holes in screens. *Be aware of peak biting periods - night and early morning are peak periods. *During peak periods, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing - long sleeve shirts, pants and jackets. *Use appropriate insect repellants on exposed skin. Most effective repellants contain DEET (N-diethyl-metaoluamide). Carefully read all instructions on the label before each application: *Choose a repellent that offers appropriate protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors. A higher percentage of DEET should be used if you will be outdoors for several hours while a lower percentage of DEET can be used if time outdoors will be limited. *Though it is safe to apply separate sunscreen and insect repellant products, DEET should not be used in a product that combines the repellent with a sunscreen. *The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using DEET on children under 2 months old. It is important to note that most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will never become sick. However, we should all be aware of the symptoms of WNV. Symptoms may develop 3 to 14 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have been sick for several weeks. No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. While all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk, people over age 50 have the highest risk of developing severe WNV infections. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation. For more information on WNV, please contact the Hamilton County General Health District at (513) 946-7832 or visit our web site at www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org. And remember, for a mosquito-free summer, Drain, Dunk and Protect!  | Voting | Hamilton County Park System | Village Demographics | HIP Program | Maintenance Department | Building and Zoning | Minutes | Honors, Awards and Mayor's Proclamation | Announcements, Projects, Events | Traffic Light | Village Calendar | Trash Collection, Recycling | Police services | Fire and Emergency Services | Picture Gallery Page 1 | Picture Gallery Page 2 | Village Officials | Hamilton County General Health District | Important Phone Numbers | Airport Noise Complaints | Hamilton County Storm Water District | State Officials | Hamilton County Solid Waste District | Emergency Services Levy | Swearing in Ceremony 2006 | Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency | Hamilton County Environmental Services | | Return Home | Village Of North Bend | Great Links | Contact Us | |
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