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Grant to help with mosquito education

STEUBENVILLE — Jefferson County General Health District is using its 2020 mosquito grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for community education and outreach.

Health Commissioner Nicole Balakos said mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance — their bites can spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus.

Balakos said a common question people have these days is whether mosquitoes can spread COVID-19 to people. According to the World Health Organization, she said to date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted by mosquitoes.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, events the department had planned to promote mosquito prevention were canceled. As a result, the department notified cities, villages and townships throughout the county of the change in plans and offered to provide each township with mosquito dunks, mosquito repellent bracelets, marigold seeds and insect repellent pen sprayers to distribute to residents.

The health department reminds residents standing water and dark clothing are two things that attract mosquitos. The American Mosquito Control Association’s tips to fend them off:

≤ Empty water containers at least once per week

≤ Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

≤ Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus

Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle, the AMCA said. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring. To make your yard a mosquito-free zone, they suggest properly disposing of old tires, a breeding ground for mosquitoes; drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys; repairing leaky outdoor faucets; and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week.

Anyone who would like a complimentary “Fight the Bite” bag should contact the health department’s environmental team at (740) 283-8530, ext. 1622, to make arrangements to pick one up. Bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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