A message from our friends at the Central CT Health District! Mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus have been found in Wethersfield. Here's what you can do to keep yourself safe:
The most effective way to avoid getting sick from mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites
Use insect repellent containing one of the active ingredients below. Always follow the product label instructions: Reapply insect repellent as directed. Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and treat your clothing and gear. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.
Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
Read product information to find out how long the protection will last.
Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
Use air conditioning, if available.
Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.
Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions, concerns, or think you may have contracted the virus.