Galion City Health DepartmentPhone: 419-468-1075

West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread to people by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds

Infected mosquitoes  transmit the virus to people or other animals.

Many types of birds can carry WNV; however, crows and blue jays are most  sensitive.

 Horses can become sick or die from WNV.

 WNV is not transmitted person-to-person or animal-to-person.

 Only a few species of mosquitoes are known to transmit WNV.

Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito biting periods, which are dawn and dusk. 

Wear light-colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants.

Make sure all windows and doors have screens (16-mesh) and keep them in good repair.

When tent-camping, be sure to zip up the screened entrance and window flaps.

Use colognes and perfumes sparingly.

Use mosquito repellents sparingly and follow the label directions.

Use an insect repellent containing 10% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) for children and no more than 30% DEET for adults.  The 10% or less products are effective for about 2 hours.  The 30% products are effective for about 4 hours.

Keep DEET out of the reach of children.

Do not allow young children to apply DEET to themselves.  An adult should put the repellent on his/her hands and rub it on the child’s exposed skin.  Do not apply DEET around the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid prolonged or excessive use of DEET and wash treated skin after returning indoors.

Do not use DEET on infants or pregnant women.

Mosquito repellents containing permethrin are to be used on clothing, NOT skin.

If you believe you or a child is having an adverse reaction to DEET, wash the treated area immediately and contact your health care provider or poison control center.

Remove all discarded tires.  Used tires are a common mosquito-breeding site.

Dispose of unneeded cans, plastic containers, flower pots or similar water-holding containers.

Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

Stock ornamental pools, rain barrels, and animal watering troughs with mosquito fish (Gambusia), guppies, or goldfish. 

Clean vegetation and debris from pond edges.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

Drain water from pool covers and tarps covering cars, boats, etc.

Fill water holding cavities and pockets in trees with sand, gravel or soil.

Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.

Clean out drainage ditches so water can flow.

Change water in birdbaths once a week.