May 21, 2013
The threat of West Nile has targeted our area and officials from the Alabama Health Department aren't taking it lightly.
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, State Public Health Officer Don Williamson and many other officials held a press conference today in Montgomery focused on giving residents tips to handle these pesky parasites.
"It's important going outside, especially at dawn and dusk to not be wearing perfume or cologne that may attract mosquitoes."
If you're going to be outside the next couple of days, the best practice is.. "of course using an insect repellant."
The best insect repellants to use are those that contain deet, picaridin or oil of eucalyptus. Parents need to make sure though that they read the bottles carefully before use.
"Deet containing products should only be used in children over the age of two months and oil of eucalyptus products should not be used on children under three years of age."
Officials hope that residents do all they can to limit exposure to mosquitoes, but that may not be enough with the possible threat of rain from Tropical Storm Issac.
"Is there anything we need to be doing?"
That's a great question, and the answer is yes. There are other things you can do in the meantime.
"Use this weekend to clear out standing water, check those gutters, avoid dawn and dusk...wear long sleeves, wear long pants.."
With Issac possibly on the way and the West Nile threat here to stay, residents are urged to really take advantage of the next few days to get prepared.
