Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Be careful with makeup around the eyes

Mosquitoes in Georgia aren't just a nuisance they can also carry several diseases, according to Kathleen E. Toomey, director of the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health.

"We encourage everyone to take these simple prevention measures this spring and summer get rid of standing water in your yard so the mosquitoes can't breed, and use insect repellent when you go outdoors," she said.

West Nile virus first appeared in this country in the Northeast two years ago, but an infected bird was found in North Carolina last year. Experts believe that the virus may appear in Georgia this summer, according to Toomey.

Mosquitoes who feed on infected birds can transmit the virus to people. It cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

West Nile virus is a close relative of other types of mosquito-borne viruses that have been in Georgia for many years. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus don't even get sick. However, a small proportion mostly people over 50 may become ill and need to be hospitalized. West Nile virus is rarely fatal.

Mosquito eggs hatch only in water. After hatching, the larvae or "wigglers" live in the water for about two weeks before they turn into adult mosquitoes and take wing.

Public health experts agree that the most effective control measure is something anyone can do eliminate standing water around the home.

Here are some tips for controlling mosquitoes at home:

Throw away or bring indoors anything that can collect water, such as tires, cans, buckets, uncovered jars, and toys. Drill drainage holes in tires used as swings.

Scrub bird baths, pet dishes, and kiddie pools and refill with clean water at least twice weekly.

Empty water from saucers under potted plants, and from trash baskets. Turn over wheelbarrows.

Clean gutters, flat roofs, and air conditioner drains frequently.

When watering lawns or gardens, try not to leave puddles. Drain or fill stagnant water pools, puddles, and drainage ditches around the home.

Eliminate water-holding tree stumps, and fill holes in trees.

Keep fish, such as goldfish, in ponds and water gardens to eat mosquito larvae.

Keep window and door screens tight-fitting and in good repair.

Store boats so they will not collect water.

Maintain pools and hot tubs with proper chemicals and filtration.

If you use covers over a pool, hot tub or boat, remove any water trapped on the covers after each rain.

Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets so water does not collect.

Keep grass and weeds mowed, especially on banks next to water, to reduce the adult mosquitoes' resting places.