Many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick-others aren't as lucky. Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported as getting sick with West Nile virus. Occasionally, an infected person may develop more severe disease such as "West Nile encephalitis," "West Nile meningitis" or "West Nile meningoencephalitis."

Control what you can.
Improve your odds of avoiding mosquito spread viruses by using a repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors.

Insect Repellent: It keeps you from being what's for dinner.
CDC recommends Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and increase your chances of avoiding aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, dengue fever, or any number of other mosquito borne diseases.

What repellent should I use? CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been studied to make sure they are effective and safe.

When should you wear repellent? Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown (dusk) to around sun-up (dawn). Keep repellant in an easily accessible place. Put a bottle in the car, by the door, in a purse or backpack.

A single mosquito bite can make you sick. Why take a chance? Use repellent on yourself, your friends and your family.