Seems like it’s just starting to warm up and feel like spring, so is it mosquito season already?
Yes, local mosquito abatement districts are surveying and treating for mosquitoes already this year. We’ve had a lot of rain showers this spring and that means standing water is abundant, serving as prime egg laying areas for mosquitoes. Now is a good time to go over the precautions you should take to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and the potentially dangerous viruses they can bring. Continue reading “Fight the Bite: Reduce your risk of West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites this summer”
As the weather warms up, more of us are getting outdoors with our families and pets for fun and exercise. Unfortunately, the nicer weather also brings out ticks and mosquitoes. A bite from one of these not-so-delightful creatures can cause disease and have a serious impact on your health. It’s important to do everything you can to avoid getting bitten. 
It has been estimated that more than 4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis. Many (some say more than half) don’t know they have the infectious disease. Without testing and treatment, they could develop liver damage, or worse. May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to learn about your risks of being infected by this disease, and to find out your status by getting tested. 
Contributed by Kathleen Palmer, Sexual Violence Prevention Health Program Manager, Idaho Division of Public Health.
DHW Voice 