The Department of Health in Polk County recently issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory, reminding us all to avoid being bitten by the pesky bugs and to take precautions to help limit our exposure. So far this year two horses have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and the risk of transmission to humans has increased.
Their motto to remember is "drain and cover" --
DRAIN standing water:
From garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, toys, and other containers
Empty and clean birdbaths & pet water bowls at least once a week
Don't put tarps on boats & vehicles that accumulate water
Empty plastic pools when not in use
COVER skin with clothing & repellent:
Wear shoes an dsocks, and long pants & sleeves
Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin & clothing
Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are most effective
Use mosquito netting on babies younger than 2 months old
