Picnics can be great at a local park or even in your own backyard, but the Kent County Health Department wants you to play it safe this summer.  Here are their tips for West Nile and food-borne illness prevention.

West Nile is a virus spread through the bite of a mosquito.  Most mosquitoes get the virus from biting a bird that has the virus in its blood.  Symptoms of West Nile include mild fever, head and body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.  There are no long-term effects from this mild illness, but in some rare cases (1%) the illness has been known to cause meningitis and encephalitis, which can lead to death.

So, what can you do to protect your family from West Nile virus?

• Wear bug spray, lotion or gel with DEET whenever spending time outdoors.
• When you can, wear clothes that cover the skin like long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Wear light colored clothing because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
• Put mosquito netting over baby carriers and strollers.
• Avoid strong scented perfumes, shampoos and hairsprays, which attract mosquitoes.
• Check your window and door screens for holes where mosquitoes can get in.  If you don’t have screens in your windows, keep them shut.
• Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most likely to be out and biting.

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We all know families are busy, but you should always make the time to prepare for the unexpected.  September is Emergency Preparedness Month and the Kent County Health Department wants you to sit down as a family and discuss a plan. 

First, talk to your kids about what natural disasters could happen right here in West Michigan.  

Secondly, create a plan in case of an emergency.  Put together all contact numbers and medical information in an easily accessible spot.  Also talk about a meeting place for your family inside and outside of the house, in case anyone would get seperated.

Thirdly, create an emergency kit.  This is larger than a first aid kit, but can include some of the same items.  Here is what it should have:

-A first aid kit, medical supplies and prescription medications
-Bottled water (rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day)
-Non perishable items like canned goods and bagged snacks
-Flashlights and batteries
-A radio
-Personal hygine items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and towels
-A change of clothing for each family member

For more information about ways that your family can be prepared visit www.accesskent.com/getready

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