Summer in New Mexico means rain, and rain means mosquitoes. Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance: they can also carry disease, such as West Nile virus.
The Albuquerque Health Department recently confirmed that there have been mosquitoes in our area that have tested positive for West Nile virus. While the virus does not produce symptoms in most people, some people will develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
Your best bet for avoiding contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito is to avoid being bitten in the first place.
Here are a few quick tips on preventing mosquito bites:
- Eliminate any standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes breed in pools of standing water.
- Keep windows and doors closed in your home. If you must open windows or doors, make sure you have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, which include dusk, dawn and early evening.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when you venture into mosquito-infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellent containing an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET or Picaridin on your skin and clothing when you go outside, especially for prolonged periods.
- Use insect repellents containing oil of lemon or eucalyptus on your skin for a less chemical insect repellent.
- Cover babies’ strollers or playpens with mosquito netting.
- Burn a citronella candle or torch when outside. The smoke can confuse mosquitoes to keep them from finding you. However, the range of the citronella candle or torch can be limited, especially if there’s a breeze.
- Using some essential oils, such as clove or citronella oil, may provide some protection, although it won’t be as effective as insect repellent.
Be careful if using a mosquito coil, as there are some studies that suggest the smoke from a mosquito coil can be harmful to human lungs. Also, avoid bug zappers, as they are not effective in attracting mosquitoes, and may kill harmless bugs that could help keep your mosquito population at bay, such as spiders or dragonflies.
By avoiding mosquitoes and their pesky bites altogether, you can reduce your exposure to West Nile virus, while also avoiding the dreaded itch from mosquito bites.
If you start to show any symptoms of West Nile virus after being exposed to mosquitoes, contact your doctor.