Heat, moisture bring mosquitoes, disease Published Nov. 8, 2006 By 1st Lt. Liane Larson 56th Medical Group Public Health Flight LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- It is that time of year when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are abundant. Soon, the mosquitoes will begin to come out. With them comes the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. As with most diseases, prevention is your best bet. Decreasing the number of mosquitoes and taking measures to prevent mosquito bites will reduce your risk of getting diseases. Take the steps below to avoid mosquito bites and reduce your risk: Use insect repellent containing DEET Wear pants and long-sleeves when possible Take extra precautions during peak biting time from dusk until dawn Here are some tips to mosquito proof the areas in and around your home: Install or repair screens on doors and windows Drain standing water from items that collect water such as buckets, planters, kiddy pools Repair leaky faucets and pipes Change water in birdbaths, animal water dishes, and planters every two weeks Public health staff members and pest management are locating and eliminating breeding grounds on base. Public health is trapping mosquitoes and sending them to the State of Arizona Department of Health Laboratory to be tested for diseases such as West Nile Virus. WNV is now in most of the United States and is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. People can reduce their chance of getting infected by avoiding mosquito bites. Currently risk of infection is estimated to be low and even with infection, severe illness is rare. Knowledge and prevention are the best tools to maintain health. For more information about West Nile Virus please visit, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.