West Nile News

West Nile Virus Public Information

Health education and public information are important tools in preventing mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. The Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) has created statewide public information campaigns that promote risk reduction behaviors. The effort includes outreach to high-risk populations served by the state’s senior services agencies, as well as the state agencies and public sector interests that serve citizens who work or recreate outdoors.

The key West Nile virus prevention messages fall into three categories:

• Personal protection (use of repellent on skin and clothing, use of protective clothing, awareness of prime mosquito-biting hours)
• Household protection (eliminating mosquito breeding sites, repairing/installing screens)
• Community protection (reporting dead birds, advocating for organized mosquito abatement, participating in community mobilization)