News

Fight the Bite - Prevent Zika Virus

Friday, June 16, 2017

Northern Kentucky Health District urges you to "Fight the Bite" and do your part to prevent Zika Virus and other infections spread by mosquitoes.

The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Here’s how:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered, skin applied insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.
• Always follow the product label instructions.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
• Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
• If you have a baby or child:

1. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
2. Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover the child’s crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
3. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth and cut or irritated skin. Adults should spray insect repellent onto their own hands and then apply to a child’s face.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit Zika are aggressive daytime and night-time biters.

Take Steps to Eliminate or Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites

Whenever possible remove potential causes of standing water. Clean clogged storm drains, catch basins, and drainage ways. Eliminate junk or cast off items in your yard that can collect standing water such as old tires, unused garden pots, old bird baths, even toys such as an upturned frisbees can hold water and provide a breeding site for mosquitoes. If your children use a wading pool be sure it is completely emptied after use.

For more information visit http://www.nkyhealth.org/Zika.aspx