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Spring has sprung and so has West Nile virus – a debilitating and potentially deadly mosquito transmitted disease of humans, horses, birds, and other wildlife. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, human and mosquito activity coincides, escalating the risk of West Nile virus transmission. West Nile virus is entering its fourth year in Southern California. During 2004 and 2005 outbreaks were documented in several regions of the state. There were more human cases in 2005 (926 human cases) than in 2004 (830 human cases) but fewer deaths (18 in 2005 compared to 28 in 2004). The virus has already been identified this year in birds from Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties. William Reisen, Ph.D., research entomologist with the UC Davis Center for Vector-borne Diseases, anticipates that West Nile virus will continue its “outbreak mode” for the next few years as it disperses throughout California. The California Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control both predict that West Nile virus will again pose a significant public health threat to California in 2006. To increase the public’s awareness of West Nile virus, the California Assembly designated the week of April 24 through April 30, 2006 as West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week. West Nile virus is here to stay and residents can protect themselves and their family by playing an active role in mosquito prevention by doing the following: • Inspect front and backyards. Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week to break the mosquito life cycle. • Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained. • Change the water in pet dishes and replace water in birdbaths weekly. • Fix leaky faucets and sprinklers that may create puddles. • Wear long sleeve shirts and pants outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. |
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. • Keep tight fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes • A West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available and horse owners should contact a veterinarian about timely vaccination. The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, as birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. The CA Department of Health Services toll-free hotline is 877-WNV BIRD or visit on-line at: www.westnile.ca.gov. Please contact your local mosquito and vector control district to report a mosquito problem or to request an inspection at no charge. Mosquito-eating fish are available free of charge from most districts. Please call your local district before arriving to confirm mosquitofish are available. The following mosquito and vector control districts are available for scheduling interviews and acquiring video footage. San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District West Covina (626) 814-9466 West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Ontario (909) 635-0307 |