A sample of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Woodbridge, Virginia, earlier this month, officials said. It's the first reported activity of the virus in the county this year.
There's an increased risk of contracting the virus across Prince William County, health officials said.
The county executed intensive treatment in the affected area to kill all adult mosquitoes and breeding larvae. Officials said they will continue to trap mosquitoes and test them regularly from sites in Prince William County.
Most of the mosquito species that people need to control appear in standing water around homes, says Anne Ansher, Director of the Prince William Health District.
"Control measures around the home are the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding and to reduce the risk from bites," said Ansher.
People should keep this in mind while outside from now until the first hard frost.
The PWHD recommends the following tips to fight off mosquitoes:
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- Use insect repellent products with no more than 50 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children. Follow label instructions when using insect repellents.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where any water may collect, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets, and toys.
- Eliminate any standing water in yards or on tarps or flat roofs.
- Chlorinate or clean out birdbaths and wading pools every three to five days.
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly. Mosquitoes breed and feed in standing water in roof gutters.
