Worried about Zika, West Nile virus? Here’s what you can do

Beaufort County Mosquito Control, in a recent news release, offered the following recommendations to reduce the risk of Zika virus and West Nile virus:

▪ Eliminate or replenish water-holding containers on properties, such as waste tires, buckets, cans, flower pot saucers, bird baths, baby pools, grill covers, boat covers, pet dishes, cemetery urns/vases, roof gutters, and tree holes.

▪ Use screens on all windows and doors, and repair even the smallest tear or hole

▪ Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks while working or playing outdoors

▪ Use insect repellants containing the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon-eucalyptus, or IR 3535

▪ The mosquito associated with Zika virus is a daytime biter and its peak feeding times are during morning and late afternoon whereas the West Nile virus mosquito is typically active during sunrise and sunset.

For additional information, visit bcgov.net or contact the county’s Mosquito Control office at 843-255-5800.

This story was originally published September 26, 2016 at 8:55 AM with the headline "Worried about Zika, West Nile virus? Here’s what you can do."