Prevent! Protect and Report West Nile Virus!

Now is the time to

“Fight the Bite of West Nile Virus!”

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

”Mosquitoes can carry many diseases. The most common mosquito transmitted disease found in San Diego is West Nile Virus (WNV).

This virus can result in West Nile fever, or other severe forms of illnesses. Although most people infected by the virus do not show signs of illness, West Nile fever (fever, headache, body aches, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands) develops in about 20 percent of the cases. Severe WNV infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, affect less than 1 percent of the people who become infected. Active adults over the age of 50 have an increased chance of contracting a severe case of WNV.

This year the San Diego County Vector Control Program has already detected WNV in the county. The wet winter and current warm weather provides mosquitoes with the perfect conditions to breed. Females can lay their eggs in as little as a ½ inch of water. It only takes the eggs about one week to turn into flying, biting adults.Last year proved to be the worst year yet for West Nile Virus in San Diego County.381 Californians contracted the disease, and 18 of them died. San Diego County had 13 locally acquired cases, 12 of the 13 infected individuals were over the age of 50. WNV is NOT transmitted from person to person.

Now is the time to get prepared to Fight the Bite of West Nile virus.

As the weather begins to warm up mosquitoes are beginning their annual invasion. Females can lay their eggs in as little as a ½ inch of water. It takes the eggs about one week to turn into flying, biting adults in warm weather.

Take a few minutes every week to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.

• Eliminate stagnant water on your property.Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.
• Drain, or drill holes into anything that can hold water for more than five days, such as buckets, birdbaths, clogged rain gutters, old tires, plant saucers, pots, pet dishes, and children’s toys.
• Repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors. Fix leaky outdoor faucets.
• Add mosquito-eating fish to unused green swimming pools, ornamental ponds and horse water troughs. These fish are available free of charge from Vector Control and several nurseries and pet stores around the county. Visit the www.SDFightTheBite.com web site to find a location near you.

Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk, but if you do, it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved, light-colored shirts. The light color will help you to see mosquitoes, and the clothing makes it harder for them to bite you. Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Read the product label before applying, and follow instructions carefully. If you have any questions about repellents, ask your physician.

The Vector Control Program is currently collecting and testing crows, ravens, jays, hawks, owls and falcons that have died within the last 24 hours. There is no evidence that a person can be infected with West Nile virus by handling infected birds but always use caution. Always wear gloves, and do not freeze the bird.

If you are not sure if the bird has been dead for less than 24 hours look for the following clues:
1.-The bird should not be stiff.
2.-There should be no ants or flies covering the bird.
3.-The bird should not have a foul odor.
4.-The bird’s body should be intact with no missing body parts or physical injuries.

If the bird is not a good test specimen, please put the bird into two plastic bags, tie the bag shut, and throw the bird into the trash.

To report dead birds, mosquito breeding sources such as green swimming pools, or to get more information about West Nile Virus please call the Vector Control Program at (888) 551-INFO (4636),or on the Web site: www.sdfightthebite.com