For many of us, stepping outside in the summer means being swarmed by those pesky, biting mosquitoes. Aside from the itchy bites, mosquitoes can also cause health problems. While many of the mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever are seldom found in the United States, other diseases like West Nile virus are on the rise. In 2007, there were more than 3,600 cases of West Nile reported in the United States.

West Nile virus can be a serious illness, especially for adults over the age of 50. Although people of any age can contract the disease after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the majority of those bitten don’t develop any symptoms of West Nile. About 20 percent of the population will develop fever, head and body aches, nausea and vomiting. These milder symptoms also may include swollen lymph glands or a skin rash that covers the back, chest and stomach.  

About one in 150 people who contract West Nile will develop a more severe form of the illness. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms can last several weeks. The neurological symptoms may be permanent. In some cases, death can occur.  

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses including West Nile is to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Here are some steps you can take to keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes:  

• Use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when you are outdoors. Follow package directions on how to apply the repellant and how often to reply.  
• Proper clothing can keep mosquitoes at bay. If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to keep mosquitoes from reaching exposed skins. Mosquitoes can bite through lighter-weight fabrics, so you may need to spray your clothing with insect repellant.  
• Take extra precautions during the evening and early morning when mosquitoes are more active.  
• Mosquito-proof your home by installing well-fitting screens on doors and windows and draining any standing water near your house. Look around your house for clogged gutters, empty flower pots and other containers where water can stand and allow mosquitoes to breed.  
• If there are areas near your home such as vacant lots, get your neighbors together for a clean up day where you work together to eliminate mosquito-friendly environments.  

By taking these steps you can avoid the annoyance of buzzing mosquitoes and keep you and your family healthier. To learn more about mosquito control and West Nile virus, check out the Centers for Disease Control Web site.