Seniors susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquito season is fast approaching and it is up to you to help fight the bite.

The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District relies on your help to locate areas where mosquitoes are breeding.

According to the California Department of Public Health, “People over the age of 60 are at greatest risk of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. People with certain medical conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease) and people who have received organ transplants are also at greater risk for developing severe symptoms from West Nile virus.”

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. It is a seasonal disease that occurs in the summer and continues through the fall. Most people are bitten while outside gardening, barbecuing or relaxing by the pool.

Solano County Mosquito Abatement District

• In Fairfield: 2950 Industrial Court

• Telephone: 707-437-1116

• Website: https://www. solanomosquito.com

Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times like dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved clothing, dump out standing water around your home, have screens on doors and windows, and wear an EPA-registered repellent. There are several natural repellent options, including oil of lemon eucalyptus. For more approved repellent options, visit the California Department of Public Health website’s Insect Repellent Toolkit.

Symptoms of West Nile virus will appear several days to weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Although most people will not show any symptoms, seniors are more likely to suffer from symptoms of