July 22 Public Health Update

·        
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.

·        
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.

·        
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.

§ 
Make
sure the life jacket is the right size and fits properly.

·        
Be
sure to stay hydrated and stay cool.