Protecting Yourself From Mosquito Bites

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Personal Protection Prevents Infection

West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes, so the best way to prevent becoming infected with WNV is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the outdoors with fewer mosquito bites.

• Cover up: wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts, thicker fabrics, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors in the evening or early morning.
• Apply mosquito repellent, such as DEET (see fact sheet on Mosquito Repellents).
• If concerned about applying mosquito repellent, products, such as mosquito jackets, are commercially available for non-chemical protection against mosquitoes.
• Avoid outdoor activities during late evening and early morning when mosquitoes are most active.
• Work to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on your property (see fact sheet on Reducing Mosquito Breeding Sites).