Natchez resident Pete Smith has been living with the effects of West Nile virus for almost a year.

His symptoms, beyond the initial illness, have kept him from working: He has had muscle loss, nerve loss and chronic fatigue, and his thought process is impaired.

West Nile affects people in different ways. Of 100 people bitten by a mosquito infected with the disease, about 80 will not even know they have the virus. About 15 to 18 of those people would perhaps get a headache or other mild symptoms. Only about one person in 100 would actually show severe symptoms of the West Nile virus.

No one can guarantee he or she won’t be infected, but there are some simple steps to take to prevent the disease &045; especially if you are at high risk of developing severe symptoms.

Apply insect repellent containing DEET

When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning &045; or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.

That last step will protect not only you but also your family and neighbors. Local governments are doing what they can to help prevent the disease, but the rest of us can help out.