West Nile Virus Prevention: Mosquito Bite Avoidance Strategies

West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. No human vaccine exists; prevention centers on bite avoidance.

Personal Protection

• EPA-registered repellents: DEET (20–30%), picaridin (20%), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE/PMD).
• Long sleeves/pants, permethrin-treated clothing.
• Peak mosquito hours: dusk to dawn—limit outdoor exposure.

Environmental Control

• Eliminate standing water: tires, buckets, planters, gutters, birdbaths (change weekly).
• Larvicide (Bti dunks) for ornamental ponds, rain barrels.
• Window/door screens intact.

Community Surveillance

Report dead birds (corvids) to health department. Monitor local WNV activity maps. Seek care for febrile illness with headache, myalgia, rash, or neuro symptoms (meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis).