“The elderly are the ones more prone to getting West Nile,” Benson said. “If working outside during peak season and peak hours wear protective clothing and use repellents (DEET) to help reduce mosquito bates.”

For more information on the West Nile Disease and controlling mosquitoes visit the Mississippi Department of Health’s website at www.msdh.state.ms.us or contact your local Health Department.

West Nile information and prevention

Protect yourself.

• Avoid mosquitoes whenever possible. Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito biting,

• Use mosquito repellent with DEET. Products with up to 30 percent DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions. Use DEET concentrations of 10 percent or less on children ages two years to 12 years of age, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For children less than two years of age, parents should consult their pediatrician. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use as printed on the product label.

• Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.

• Individuals should wear gloves when handling any dead bird or mammal because of the possibility of other diseases.

Protect your home.

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

• Remove all discarded tires on the property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito breeding site in the country.

• Remove all leaf debris.