(John Tann/Flickr)
(WJBK) - The first mosquito pool of the year has tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to Oakland County health officials.
While there are no confirmed human cases of the virus in Oakland County, officials still urge residents to protect themselves and take necessary precautions.
"West Nile virus is typically detected from June through September," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County Health Division, in a release. "The best way to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is preventing mosquito bites."
Oakland County has issued the following tips for staying safe:
o Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellant. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.
o Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home:
o Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
o Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
o Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants.
Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings. Do not prop open doors.
Visit www.oakgov.com/health for more information.