Additional Article: The Facts About the West Nile Virus -- Answers to your questions

  The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department's Vector Control Section has detected very high levels of Culex mosquito breeding activity in certain Memphis Metro zip codes. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department strongly encourages everyone to take extra precautions against mosquito bites during this post storm period. 

  Fallen trees leaving large holes in the ground and the abundance of additional rainfall, has increased mosquito-breeding areas. Furthermore, there maybe additional risk of exposure for citizens who spend more time outside during the peak times, dusk to dawn, because of the lack of air conditioning or power in their homes. All residents are strongly encouraged to take measures to protect themselves. 

  Because the virus is transmitted to humans and other animals by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds, the Health Department offers advises individuals to protect themselves in a number of ways.

  Eliminate mosquito breeding in yards with fallen trees, sometimes leaving large holes, by: 

• Draining all water, if at all possible.
• Filling the hole with dirt or sand.
• Purchasing mosquito dunks a biological larvicide (looks like a donut), from the hardware or landscape store to place in the standing water. The mosquito dunks are also found at some drugstore or discount stores. These mosquito dunks will help to destroy the eggs of mosquito before they can hatch.
• Residents with no screens on doors or windows are encouraged to purchase mosquito netting from a hardware or fabric store to place on doors or windows. The netting can be attached around the door or window frame with duck tape. The netting will allow good ventilation to the home, while keeping the flying insects and mosquitoes out.

• Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard (ex. - gutters, plastic pools, tires, etc.), especially after rainfall.
• Change the water in your birdbath daily, during the very hot weather, or minimum of every 2-3 days to keep it from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with Gambusia fish (available FREE from Health Dept.).
• Dispose of old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots (including the "drip plates" underneath them) or other unused containers that can hold water; this may include children's toys.
• Make sure all your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Repair failed septic systems.
• The best protection would be to stay inside after dusk and just before dawn. However that is not possible for most life styles.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using an insect repellent that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Repellents containing a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as DEET) provide longer-lasting protection. The most effective repellents contain DEET, which is an ingredient used to repel insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has been tested against a variety of biting insects and has been shown to be very effective. 
• CAUTION: Always apply repellants in accordance to manufacturer's instructions. 

• Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. 
• Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned. Light colored clothes are less attractive to mosquitoes.

  Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It's important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus. 

  By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. Shelby County citizens are urged to report dead blue jays or crows that have been dead less than 24 hours, to the West Nile Virus Hotline during normal businesses hours, Monday Friday, 8:00 am 4:30 p.m. at (901) 544-7503. 

  Individuals outside of Shelby County should contact their state or local health department. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer information about reporting dead birds in your area.

  For more information regarding the West Nile Virus or what you can do around your home or business to reduce mosquito activity, please check out the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department Web site at www.co.shelby.tn.us, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov.