Please be advised that the State Health Department recently collected mosquitoes in both the City of Essex Junction and the Town of Essex, which have tested positive for West Nile Virus. When the virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites, most people don’t get sick, but some get symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. The sickness can become quite serious in some people, and those age 50 or older are at the highest risk. Take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to protect yourself:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when you’re outside.
- Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellant.
- Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Fix holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.
- Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes like to breed.
Learn about what works when it comes to mosquito bite prevention: http://www.healthvermont.gov/mosquito