Which action provides the best protection from the West Nile virus?

The best protection from the West Nile virus is eliminating standing water around the home. This measure directly addresses the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors for transmitting the virus to humans. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so by removing any standing water sources, such as bird baths, clogged gutters, and plastic containers, one drastically reduces the chances of mosquitoes breeding and, consequently, the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

In contrast, frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap primarily protects against bacteria rather than viruses and does not prevent mosquito bites. Keeping antibiotics on hand is not an effective strategy for a viral infection like West Nile, as antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Remaining indoors at midday may reduce the risk of encountering mosquitoes, as they are often more active during this time; however, it does not provide a comprehensive solution in the same way that eliminating breeding sites does. Thus, proactive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding areas are the most effective approach to safeguard against the West Nile virus.