Imagine living in a country where a mosquito bite might not just cause itching but give you a dangerous disease.  Unfortunately, you don’t have to imagine anymore as that could be a possibility in Black Hawk County.  Some chickens were discovered to have West Nile disease and encephalitis and that could mean that mosquitoes are carrying it around right now.  You’ll want to do what you can to protect yourself and your family.  Here are a couple of things that public health officials suggest, courtesy of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier:

•Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

•Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

•Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks whenever possible.

•Eliminate standing water around the home, which is a common mosquito breeding ground.