Some of what happens in life is luck. Many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick—many others aren't as lucky. Over 29,000 people in the US have been reported with West Nile virus disease since 1999, and of those more than 12,000 have been seriously ill and over 1,150 have died. Many more cases of illness are not reported to CDC, but it’s likely that more than 300,000 people have been sickened in the 11 years since West Nile virus came to the US. The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected. People who have ever received an organ transplant also seem to be at higher risk for severe disease. The reasons one person becomes severely ill and another doesn't aren’t entirely known.

Control what you can. Improve your odds of avoiding West Nile virus by using a repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors.

Insect Repellent: Who, What, When, Where and Why

There are always excuses for not using repellent— forgot it, didn't want to go back and get it, it doesn't smell good, it's not in the budget, “mosquitoes don’t bite me”…

There are facts or a counter argument for every excuse, but here's the best reason to go ahead and get the repellent—to avoid getting sick from West Nile virus, this is a part of the equation you can help to control. Avoid the weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, the more severe problems of being hospitalized with swelling of the brain or an even worse outcome.

What repellent should I use? CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All are registered with EPA and evaluated for efficacy and safety. EPA has a long listing of everyrepellent brand in the US. There are good repellents for every budget, age and preference. Excuse gone.

When should you wear repellent? Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of those that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown to around sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent around—in the car, by the door, in your bag. Make it easy.

Click on this 2009 incidence map for more information

Where is West Nile virus a problem? Almost all of thecontinental US has had human WNV cases. Some areas, such as those with the red dots on the map to the right, had a greater concentration of cases of severe disease than other areas last year. This can change each year.  Some areas of the US are affected by other viruses such as eastern equine encephalitis virus, LaCrosse encephalitis virus and dengue.

What about mosquito control in my town/county?Integrated mosquito management helps reduce the number of mosquitoes, especially those that can carry disease. This is a crucial part of reducing the risk to humans. Mosquito control won't get rid of every last mosquito, but combined with repellent use one can markedly reduce the chances of getting bitten. Ask local officials about starting mosquito control in your city or county if it doesn't exist already.