Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about outdoor summer dangers such as snakes, bugs and pollen. Summer is the prime season for West Nile virus because the mosquitoes that carry it are most active and people are outdoors. In most people, West Nile virus may only cause a mild illness, but it can be fatal for older adults and infants.
Being outside at certain times of day put you most at risk. Mosquitoes are most active in the morning and evenings. Dr. Elizabeth Race, an infectious diseases specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says if you’re going to be outside, especially during peak mosquito times, use a mosquito repellant containing the chemical DEET. You can also prevent bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants. To help reduce the mosquito population, make sure there isn’t any standing water around your home where mosquitoes might breed.
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July 2007
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