Staff report

The first Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) positive mosquito pool for Western Tidewater Health District was recently found in the city of Suffolk. The virus was found in a mosquito pool on July 1. The EEE virus and West Nile virus have a common transmission mechanism, mosquitoborne. These virus may spread to birds, humans, horses and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. The infection is prevented by controlling the mosquito population and protecting against bits in the following ways:

? Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing

? If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting

? Check window and door screens to ensure that mosquitoes don’t enter the home. Use insect repellent products with no more than 20-30 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children under 12.

? Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water might collect, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.

? Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.

? Clean out birdbaths, wading pools, roof gutters and downspout screens.