To reduce the risk of West Nile virus:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object on your property that could collect standing water.• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.• Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.• Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.• Standing water that cannot be eliminated should be treated with BTI products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. BTI is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES:• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods.• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of 2 months.For more information about West Nile virus, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit

www.westnile.state.pa.us or call the Department of Health at 877-PA HEALTH.For information on symptoms of West Nile virus in humans, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at

www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.