The Ministry of Health warns against stagnant water and mosquitoes with recent rainfall

TOPEKA, Kan. – With recent rain, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is encouraging Kansans to take preventative measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

"Some mosquitoes may be carriers of arborviral-like diseases, such as West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus, which spread to humans through the bite of mosquitoes," he said. said Lee Norman, secretary of KDHE. "Because it can be deadly, prevention is the key."

KDHE recommends the following three prevention measures:

DRAIN – removes stagnant water where mosquitoes live and breed
• Empty stagnant water from flowerpots, buckets, tarpaulins, old tires and any other place where rainwater accumulates.
• Change the water in the pet dishes and water of the bird baths every week.
• Drill holes in the swings so that the water runs off.
• Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
• If water can not be drained, a larvicide can be used to control mosquito populations and is readily available at retail stores.

DRESS – Cover your skin with clothes when you're outside
• Wear protective clothing when convenient (long sleeves and pants).
• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

DEET – use insect repellents that come into contact with DEET or other EPA approved insect repellents
• When used according to instructions, insect repellents registered with the EPA are safe and effective even for pregnant and lactating women.

At present, Kansas has reported no cases of West Nile virus or St. Louis encephalitis, but KDHE reminds residents to take preventative measures as conditions may increase mosquito populations.

For more information on arboviral diseases and risk levels in Kansas, please visit http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm.