Reduce the risk Tips for seniors
While the risk of West Nile virus infection is low the consequences can be high, the risk of serious illness associated with infection increases with age. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid mosquito bites.
- You can enjoy outdoor activities just follow some simple steps.
Personal protection
- Consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito biting periods.
- Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET on clothing and exposed skin
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in the evening and at dawn.
Around the house, yard and while gardening
- Make sure that there is no standing water in your yard where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
- Look for any place where water can collect. Get rid of junk piles and old tires. Clean or empty plugged eavestroughs and any containers where rainwater can collect.
- Repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
- Avoid excessive lawn and garden watering. Save water and keep mosquitoes down.
- Be careful with birdbaths and ornamental ponds they are an attractive spot for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Empty and refill birdbaths weekly, and aerate ponds.
At seniors lodges, residences, condos and apartments
- Ask your building or facility manager to ensure that all window and door screens are repaired.
- Ask that attention be given to areas where standing water can collect around the premises. This includes buckets and barrels, leaky outdoor taps and eavestroughs.
