only flu-like symptoms but others became seriously ill and some suffered permanent disabilities.  And, 63 persons died.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, repellents containing from 10 to 30 percent DEET can be used for children six months of age and older.  Infants should be kept away from mosquitoes.

Pickle said that Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus in Colorado. Although  they  may already be in evidence, the peak season for West Nile virus will be from mid-to-late July through mid-September.

Mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus after they bite infected birds, which are the carriers of the disease.  Mosquitoes then can spread the virus to humans and horses.

Personal protection tips for using repellent include:

• Repellents containing DEET have been available since 1956 and are used by an estimated 50-100 million people annually.  When used as directed, these repellents have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing mosquito bites.
• The higher the percentage of DEET in a repellent the longer the protection lasts.  Concentrations above 30 percent don’t provide better protection.
• Choose a product containing the right amount of DEET to match the time spent outdoors.  Repellents containing 25 percent DEET protect for an average of five hours while repellents containing 20 percent DEET protect for almost four hours; repellents containing 6.65 percent DEET protect for almost two hours; and repellents containing 4.75 percent DEET protect for approximately one-and-a-half hours.
• Use products containing 10-to-30 percent DEET or less for children.
• Parents should apply repellent to young children to insure complete coverage and proper application.  Avoid getting the repellent on children’s hands or in their eyes or mouths.
• Repellents containing DEET should not be used on children six months of age and younger.  Limiting exposure to mosquitoes is best for these infants.
• Alternative repellents that don’t contain DEET may provide protection, but studies have shown that these repellents don’t provide protection for as long.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors can reduce the need for repellent.
• Clothing can be sprayed with insecticides containing DEET or Permethrin.  This will last up to four washings or two weeks on clothing.  It is important to follow product directions.
• Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing.  Don’t apply repellent to skin that is under clothing.  Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
• Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to the face.  Spray hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
   

Other prevention tips include:
 

• Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.
• If you or members of your family are outdoors, protect yourself by using insect repellant on a regular basis.
• Your backyard or patio is not a “safe zone.”  Even a brief trip out to the barbecue or garden allows time for an infected mosquito to bite.
• Keep doors and windows closed and/or properly screened to keep mosquitoes out.
• Placing screening on porches also is effective.
• Repair or replace torn or damaged screens.

Eggs laid by mosquitoes in still water, such as that contained in small containers in the backyard, hatch in 5-to-10 days.  If standing water is eliminated weekly, many eggs will be destroyed.  An inch of standing water is all mosquitoes need to lay eggs.

In order to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:

• Remove standing water in ponds; ditches; gutters; flowerpots; tires; and cans.
• Check unusual items that might collect even small amounts of water, such as wheelbarrows; hubcaps; toys; garden equipment; pool covers; and plastic sheeting.  Turn these items upside down to prevent them from holding water.
• Drill drainage holes in tire swings.
• Empty water in birdbaths and wading pools every week so mosquito larvae cannot survive.
• Treat livestock water tanks with BTI, a bacteria that kills larvae but is safe for animals.  BTI is available at home and garden stores and is commonly called mosquito “dunks” or pellets.
• Stock ornamental ponds and fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae or treat with BTI. The Colorado Division of Wildlife recommends the use of Fathead Minnows, which can be purchased commercially at private fish hatcheries.  The division strongly recommends against the use of Gambusia fish.
• Prevent standing water by not over watering lawns and gardens.
• Trim shrubbery and remove garden debris.

“Health officials from across Colorado are strongly recommending the use of repellents and active efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. We want to prevent as many cases of West Nile virus as possible,” Pickle said.

More information about preventing West Nile virus can be obtained on the Web site http://www.fightthebitecolorado.com/.  The Web site was established and is maintained by local public health agencies throughout Colorado and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Information also can be obtained by calling the Colorado HelpLine at 1-877-462-2911.  The toll-free line, which is staffed by trained professionals, is in operation from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and operates on a reduced schedule on weekends and holidays.