5/8/2003 1:28:34 PM

K. Dran

Protecting Yourself Against The West Nile Virus

The first priority is to take care of our environment and minimize the risks to our neighbors and ourselves by reducing the mosquito population as much as possible. Anything that contains standing water or that can hold moisture such as dew or rainfall is a hazard.

If you go away on weekends or vacations, turn all empty containers upside down. Leave garden chairs with hollow arms and legs stored so that rainwater can drain away.

Make sure you tell anyone looking after your house or pets to follow these instructions carefully:
Keep water runoff areas from air conditioners dry

Keep mosquitoes out of your house or apartment by ensuring all screens and doors fit tightly.
If you have a ground floor apartment or house with a patio or garden, be sure not to leave any bird feeders, thick weeds, long grass, wet leaves or dense foliage; all of these gather and hold moisture where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs
If you live alone, make sure you are in contact with a neighbor or friend regularly from early May to the end of September

If you have a cottage, make sure you don’t leave cans, drums or tires lying around that can retain water