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Mosquito surveillance planned in Grant County
Focus on areas of stagnant water
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The Grant County Health Department is working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to perform some mosquito surveillance over the upcoming summer months.  

“With some mosquito borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Lacrosse Encephalitis already known to be in our area and the possibility the Zika virus migrating closer to our state, mosquito monitoring and control efforts are very important for protecting public health,” said Jeff Kindrai, director of the Grant County Health Department.

The Grant County Health Department is asking the public to help eliminate mosquito breeding habitats. Reducing the number of mosquitos will make the summer more enjoyable and help prevent illnesses spread by mosquitos.  Removing standing water is a key to reducing mosquito populations. The health department suggests:

• Properly dispose of used tires.

• Empty out and turn over plastic wading pools after use and keep swimming pools properly maintained.

• Use landscaping to eliminate areas that collect water on properties.

• Change the water in bird baths frequently.

• Keep roof gutters clean. 

• Dispose of outdoor containers that can collect water.

The Grant County Health Department also recommends protecting yourself by limiting the time you spend outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You should also apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing. Using a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or other effective products that repel both mosquitoes and ticks can help you stay healthy and prevent other diseases such as Lyme disease as well. Making sure window and door screens are in good repair can keep pests out too.

For further information contact the Grant County Health Department, 723-6416, www.co.grant.wi.gov.