Missouri State Parks has increased its awareness and prevention campaign regarding mosquitoes after finding West Nile virus.The Jefferson County Health Department identified a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus in Mastodon State Historic Site near Imperial.While infected mosquitoes are rare in the state, Missouri State Parks is reminding park goers how to stay safer. The same tips apply to prairies, farms and back yards.To reduce mosquitoes:• Find and remove standing water containers.• Use larvacide and adulticide to treat the lagoon and rainwater catchment areas such as ditches or depressions in fields.Minimize mosquito bites by:• Applying insect repellent to skin and clothing.• Wearing light or neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.• Avoiding areas of standing water, which are a breeding ground for mosquitoes.• Avoiding using perfumes and fragrances outdoors as they are a mosquito attractant.• Limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.Staff at the Mastodon State Historic Site are increasing efforts to help visitors minimize their risks for being bitten. Notices and information for visitors will be posted on bulletin boards. The Jefferson County Health Department will continue mosquito testing in the area. If further testing yields more positive results, additional steps will be discussed.For more information about precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at health.mo.gov.For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.Mosquito