Mesa county mosquito tests positive for west nile virus
· A Culex mosquito has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Mesa County.
· Residents should do their part to keep mosquito populations low , and prevent mosquito bites.
· The Grand River Mosquito Control District has seen an increase in the number of Culex mosquitoes , those that carry West Nile Virus , in the last five weeks.
o Most recently , more Culex mosquitoes are found in Grand River Mosquito Control District traps than any other local mosquito species.
· The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites.
o Mosquitoes lay groups of eggs on the surface of standing water.
o Be sure to empty rain barrels , bird baths , tin cans , old tires , car bodies , cisterns , roof gutters and any other containers that hold water on your property.
· Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites
o Use insect repellent containing DEET , oil of lemon eucalyptus , IR3535 or picaridin.
o Wear long pants and long shirts whenever possible.
o Avoid going outside during dusk and dawn , when mosquitoes are most active.
o Use screens on windows and doors and repair holes to keep mosquitoes outside.
· Visit the Illness & Injury page at health.mesacounty.us for more information about West Nile Virus prevention and symptoms.
how to find child care in mesa county
· School is just around the corner , meaning some parents may need to adjust their child care.
· Mesa County Health Department licenses child care facilities and has the info to get you started.
· Would a child care center , child care home or before and after school programs work better for you and your family?
o Most child care centers have a capacity between 50 and 100 kids with ample providers.
o Most child care homes care for as many as six children , ages birth to school age.
o Before and after school programs work with children whose parents need to be to work before school begins and/or longer after school ends.
· Looking for a licensed child care facility in Mesa County?
o Visit health.mesacounty.us and click on “Services ,” “Licenses , Permits & Fees ,” “Child Care Facilities” and then on “Child Care Search” to find a facility that meets your needs.
o You can also call 211 for information on child care in Mesa County.
· If you’re looking for before and after school programs , contact your child’s school.
Stay safe while you beat the heat
· Summer is the season for spending time outdoors.
· It only takes 15 minutes in the sun for ultraviolet (UV) light to damage the skin.
o Stay in the shade when possible – bring an umbrella , just in case.
o Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher , even when it’s cloudy.
o Sunscreen expires , so be sure to check the expiration date before use.
o Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants while outdoors , when possible.
§ A t-shirt only registers as SPF 15 , so make sure to use sunscreen.
o Wear sunglasses and a hat – apply sunscreen to your ears and neck , if they are exposed.
· Keep your kids safe while swimming.
o Be attentive. Many children who drown in home pools are out of sight for less than five minutes.
o Kids six years and younger can drown in less than two inches of water.
o Stay within an arm’s reach of very young children.
o Limit distractions – cell phones , books , magazines , etc.
o Put life vests on young children and beginner swimmers.
· Be sure to stay hydrated and stay cool.
