Wear Insect Repellant, Eliminate Standing Water to keep Mosquitoes Away

Pennsylvania state officials recently reminded residents to take precautions against West Nile virus during the upcoming mosquito season.

“It’s that time of the year again for people to take steps to reduce their risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus,” says Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson. “If you are going to be outside, remember to use insect repellant containing DEET – especially during dawn and dusk – and wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing.”

While most people infected do not get sick, a small percentage of those infected will experience a fever, rash, headache, meningitis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention