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Take Steps to Reduce the Risk of Mosquito Borne Illnesses
The City of St. Louis Department of Health is advising residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito borne illnesses.
July 6, 2015
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2 min
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This article is 9 years old. It was published on July 6, 2015.
The recent rain throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area has provided ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The City of St. Louis Department of Health is advising residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito borne illnesses while outside enjoying the upcoming holiday weekend and during the remainder of the summer.
Jeanine Arrighi, Environmental Health Manager for the City of St. Louis recommends
protecting yourself from mosquitoes by being aware of the Four D’s: Drain, Dress, DEET, and Dusk/Dawn.
Drain
Mosquitoes breed in water! Drain any standing water in your yard each week. Bird baths, clogged gutters and kiddie pools are common breeding sites.
Dress
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Spray clothing with insect repellent since mosquitoes can bite through clothing.
DEET
All Day, every day: Whenever you are outside, use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Use an approved repellent according to its label.
Dawn/Dusk
Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active and feeding.
“While there are no guarantees that you will not get a mosquito borne illness, remembering and using the Four D’s helps minimize the risk,” said Arrighi.
To learn more about mosquito borne illnesses and how to protect your family visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/
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Department:
Department of Health
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Topic:
Health
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