PROTECT YOURSELF

Because mosquitoes are common in North Texas this time of year, the City of University Park has been spraying for mosquitoes to diminish the threat of West Nile virus. SMU is working with area authorities in addressing the mosquito problem.

The SMU Health Center is prepared to test and provide immediate care for anyone in the SMU community who suspects he or she is infected with West Nile. The SMU Health Center also has the recommended DEET insect repellent available while supplies last.

To protect yourself against West Nile and other diseases carried by mosquitoes, the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you:

• Use insect repellents that contain DEET or any other EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves/ pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
• Protect yourself especially if you go outside during dusk and dawn hours.
• Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. SMU monitors the campus daily for standing water, removes it and treats the area. Avoid stagnant water. If you see stagnant water on campus, please report it to SMU Facility Services at 214-768-3494.

Those with questions about the West Nile virus should contact the SMU Health Center at 214-768-2141.

Other considerations during the dog days of summer:

Avoid becoming dehydrated:

The Mayo Clinic urges people to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.

Exposure to the sun is a concern. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns:

• Avoid overexposure to UV rays from both natural and artificial sources.
• Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long pants and long-sleeved shirts made of tightly-woven fabric, and sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection.
• Use a broad-spectrum (protecting from both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater to protect uncovered skin.