Dutchess County residents are reminded to “Fight the Bite” against mosquito-borne diseases this summer, both at home and abroad.

"Mosquitoes carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted through a bite,” said Dutchess County Commissioner of Health, Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH.  “Mosquito-borne infections include West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV),  and dengue fever which has recently been detected in Florida where many of our residents vacation.”

The Department recommends the following steps to reduce mosquito populations around the home:

• Disposing of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, tires, or similar containers.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Clean/chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs/saunas, and drain water from covers.
• Drill holes in recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters.
• Change the water in bird baths every few days.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Clear or keep wood, leaf, and garbage piles far away from house.

Some important personal protective measures to practice on a daily basis, especially for those individuals who are more vulnerable or have frequent exposure to mosquitoes include:  

• Minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors.
• When it is necessary to be outdoors, consider the use of mosquito repellent, please use according to directions.
• Make sure screened doors and windows are intact so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.

These same preventive measures also work to reduce tick populations and prevent tick bites that can transmit tick-borne diseases such as Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.  Additional information on how to reduce mosquitoes, ticks, mosquito bites, tick bites, dead bird reporting, and West Nile virus in pets may  be found on the Dutchess County's website at www.dutchessny.gov, as well as via telephone at the West Nile Virus Information Line (845-486-3438) and Tick Information Line (845-486-3407).