Guarding against the West Nile virus

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
August 3, 2002
The director of the state's veterinary diagnostic lab says the best way to prevent contracting the West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquitoes the carriers of the deadly virus.
Lanny Pace, who directs the lab that inspects possible dead birds infected with the virus, said the best way to protect your skin from mosquito bites is through insecticides.
Pace said to wear plenty of insecticides with the ingredient DEET.
Pace also said residents can clear areas around their homes of pools of water a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Officials at Meridian's Public Works Department were unavailable for comment Friday about any special measures being taken to rid the city of mosquitoes.
A worker in the street division did, however, say that the city was unable to spray for mosquitoes this week because of the rain.
Pace said anyone in the area who finds a "fresh dead" bird should retrieve it immediately with latex gloves and transport it the local health department office.