The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District reports the first indication of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the area this year.
On Thursday, July 1, 2010, a crow collected from the City of Covina tested positive for WNV. West Nile virus is endemic to California, and its reemergence serves as a strong reminder to the public of its potential danger.
Steve West, General Manager of the District notes, “Cooler spring temperatures have kept WNV activity low thus far, but as we enter the long 4th of July weekend, this infected bird should serve as a timely warning that anyone spending time outdoors in the evenings should be protecting themselves from mosquito bites.”Dead Birds are often the first indication of WNV activity in a given area. West Nile virus is transmitted to crows by infected mosquitoes. Since crows are mobile, often flying more than 10 miles per day from their evening roost to their daily feeding ground; it is difficult to determine where the bird was infected. Mosquito traps were set by the District in the vicinity of the infected crow but collected very few mosquitoes.
The District encourages the public to help identify WNV “hot spots” by reporting dead birds to the WNV Hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. “We’re asking our residents to store this number in their cell phones to make reporting easier” says West. While all birds might not be collected and tested, the reports are analyzed with sophisticated software by the California Department of Public Health to identify problem areas. This helps mosquito and vector control districts expedite control measures designed to reduce risk in these areas. We also urge our residents to call the District to report any mosquito activity.
Vacant homes with inoperable pools pose a very real risk to neighborhoods. One ‘green’ pool can breed thousands of mosquitoes per week that affect properties for blocks around. Residents are encouraged to report any such pools to the District at 626.814.9466 or www.sgvmosquito.org
Throughout the summer, basic protective measures should be followed:
□ Check properties weekly and remove all sources of standing water
□ Report ‘green’ inoperable pools or other sources of standing water to the District
□ Use effective repellents if outdoors when mosquitoes are present (between dusk and dawn)
□ Ensure doors and windows are properly screened.
The District also provides the following pointers:
□ Bleach will not kill mosquito larvae in water. Proper chlorination will prevent algae from growing which serves as a food source for mosquito larvae and attracts egg-laying female mosquitoes.
□ Backyard ponds, water barrels, and fountains should be stocked with mosquitofish or treated with mosquito control products (Bti, Bs, or methoprene) available at home garden centers.
□ When outdoors, do not rely on candles or other mosquito ‘repellers’ or ‘zappers’ since they have very limited or no effect
□ Broad-spectrum yard sprays will have little effect on mosquito populations around the home. Eliminating the source (standing water) is the best tactic.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District provides mosquito control as a public service – there is no charge for our services.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is a non-profit pubic health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases.
The District can be reached at 626-814-9466 or on the web at www.sgvmosquito.org
We received this from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District: