Cobb & Douglas Public Health continues to urge residents to guard against mosquitoes. The best way to do this is to observe the following tips known as “The Five D’s.”
The Five D’s
- Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.
- Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
- DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
- Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
“Since mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases such as the WNV, Chikungunya, encephalitis, yellow fever, dengue, and malaria, it is extremely important to eliminate their breeding areas and take measures to protect yourself from their bites,” said Chris Hutcheson, Director, Center for Environmental Health, Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “Following “The Five D’s” is the best advice for anyone trying to avoid contact with mosquitoes.”
For more information, visit cdc.gov.