Precautions

Airmen 1st Class Britney Gadsden and Matthew Jones, from the Public Health Flight in the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, set up mosquito traps at Fam Camp to test for diseases like West Nile virus. Public Health members set up and collect the traps weekly from April through September at 16 sites around Tinker Air Force Base, including the youth center, child development centers, golf course, trails and playgrounds. (Air Force photo by Kelly White/Released)

Be in the know: Precautions can help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

Published July 24, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Danielle Drahman
72nd MDG Public Health Flight

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Did you know about the mosquitos in your own backyard? Mosquitos on Tinker Air Force Base are not only a nuisance, but some may carry diseases.

Some of the most common mosquito transmitted diseases are West Nile virus, Arboviral Encephalitis, Dengue fever, malaria and Yellow Fever.

Tinker's Public Health Flight conducts mosquito surveillance from April through September to identify what local disease threats are in the area. This information is then used to educate the public on how to protect themselves from these disease threats.

Public Health also uses surveillance data to collaborate with Pest Management regarding the need for control measures, as well as to ensure areas are treated appropriately.

While having knowledge of all these diseases is imperative, West Nile virus seems to be the most common threat in the state of Oklahoma. Being educated on the virus is important.

What is West Nile virus? A virus that is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are infected by feeding on infected birds, and people become infected by the bite of a mosquito.

Who is at risk? Individuals living in the lower 48 states are at risk. People working outdoors or those who participate in outdoor activities have a higher probably of becoming infected.

Signs/Symptoms: The incubation period is two to 14 days. Most people will not show any signs or symptoms, while others will develop a fever and experience flu-like symptoms.

How to protect yourself:
· Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET provide longer-lasting protection. Treat clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear with Permethrin, which is a repellent and insecticide.
· Wear long sleeved shirts and pants from dusk through dawn, when many mosquitoes are most active.
· Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
· Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths and by routinely cleaning clogged gutters.
For any questions or concerns, call the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight at 582-6542.