Canadian County Health Department will be distributing free mosquito larvicide at both the Yukon and El Reno offices between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday while the supply lasts.

July through October are the highest-risk months for exposure to West Nile Virus in Oklahoma, a disease caused by mosquito bites. Health department officials are warning the public to take action to prevent mosquito bites.

“From testing in previous years, we know that the disease is now a seasonal health threat throughout Oklahoma,” said Clay Olm-stead, environmental specialist for the Canadian County Health Department.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, intense headache, extreme tiredness, muscle weakness and dizziness. The virus is transmitted primarily through the Culex mosquito, Olmstead said. The mosquitoes pick up the virus when they feed on infected birds and then transmit the virus when they bite humans, horses and other mammals.

To protect against mosquitoes, the health department provides the following tips. Drain items that collect standing water around the house; scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly; avoid outdoor activities during the prime time for mosquito activity; wear long pants and long sleeves when outside to cover the skin; use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in Oklahoma this year.