The best way to protect you from WNV, or any other mosquito-borne illness, is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
These are some of the preventative steps that you can easily take: - Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Check for items outside the home that collect water, such as cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers. - Scrub the sides and change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week. - Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses frequently. - Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts during peak mosquito activity. - Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest. - Limit outdoor evening activity, especially at dusk and down when mosquitoes are most active. - Use insect repellent containing DEET (Please read instructions and use safely).