Mosquitos

Mosquitos are not just annoying, they can make you sick. Take steps to fight the bite and lower your risk.

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over or cover any items that can hold water such as tires, buckets, pools, flower pots and planters
• Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitos in places they rest, such as in dark areas, under patio furniture and under carports and garages
• Keep mosquitos out of your home by using window and door screens, and using air conditioning when available
• Contact your local mosquito control association, which can spray around your home to help control the mosquito population
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent; they are proven safe and effective

Zika is a disease primarily transmitted by mosquito bites. It also spreads from sexual contact with an infected male and during pregnancy from mother to baby.

Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Many people do not show any symptoms, and once you are infected, you are more likely to be protected from future infections.

Symptoms typically last three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Pregnant women are most at risk because Zika can cause microcephaly, a serious birth defect, and other fetal brain defects.

West Nile is a disease most commonly transmitted by mosquitos to humans.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and nausea.

People who are older than 50 are more likely to become ill and develop serious symptoms