SEPT 26 MEDIA RELEASE___With the return of rain to our area, Allen County Public Health reminds residents to protect themselves from diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as West Nile and La Crosse encephalitis.

These infections are caused by mosquito bites and are not spread person-to-person. Early symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness and lethargy. More serious illness can occur, such as La Crosse encephalitis, which is more frequent in children under the age of 16 years, and West Nile, which is more frequent in adults over the age of 60. Symptoms of severe disease can include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

The best way for individuals to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as West Nile or La Crosse, is to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on exposed skin. Always follow the directions on the package. When using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first then the repellent.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing to repel and kill mosquitoes.
• Use screens on windows and doors to exclude mosquitoes. And, when available, A/C can make households less hospitable to mosquitoes.

Home areas, campsites and parks should be checked for potential mosquito breeding grounds. Standing water in tires, cans, buckets and especially tree holes are locations where mosquito larval habitats can thrive. Standing water should be eliminated or placed under a cover to remove the threat of mosquito breeding.

Ensure that water does not collect in containers around the home and community by emptying water from containers such as flowerpots, buckets, barrels, and tires. Change the water in pet dishes, and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children's wading pools and store on their sides after use.

Use chemical or biological control of larvae and adult mosquitoes when necessary.