Flooded areas have increased West Nile virus risk, U.S. states on the East Coast hit by the heavy rains of Hurricane Irene warn residents.
Dr. Nirav R. Shah, commissioner of health of New York state, urged residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites - staying indoors during dawn and dusk - because the state has identified more than 400 mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile Virus, UPI.com reported.
"Mosquitoes should not be considered harmless, and all New Yorkers should take steps to protect themselves from being bitten during the coming months," Shah said in a statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wear long pants and long sleeves when outdoors and to apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
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