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Last year more than 4,000 people were infected with the West Nile Virus , and the disease showed no signs abating. Are you prepared for West Nile Virus? Mosquito Control Is Key to Fighting West Nile Virus Communities around the country are taking steps to minimize the impact of West Nile with the implementation of integrated pest management programs that include trapping and surveillance of mosquito populations, |
larviciding to prevent the development of larval mosquitoes and adulticiding to reduce the adult mosquito population.
Larviciding treatments begin early in the mosquito season, where small amounts of larvicide are added to standing water and other mosquito habitats to prevent new generations of mosquitoes from forming. Mosquitoes can lay between 200-300 eggs at a time, and can reproduce very quickly. By larviciding early in the season, we can prevent hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes by season's end.
Adulticiding treatments begin when mosquito populations are at nuisance levels or indicate the presence of West Nile Virus. Adulticiding applications involve a very small amount of US EPA-registered products distributed in a fine mist.
About West Nile Virus
Symptoms of West Nile Virus are initially similar to the flu, with muscle weakness and disorientation. Though the majority of those infected will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, in some individuals, West Nile Virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and in severe cases, paralysis, coma or death. The disease is most serious - even fatal - in those with compromised immune systems and the elderly.
If at any time you suspect that you may have contracted West Nile Virus, seek medical attention.
What Can Residents Do?
Individuals can take the following steps to protect themselves against infection and assist in the fight against West Nile Virus:
Click here to view a statistical map on the West Nile Virus.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control web site for more information regarding the West Nile Virus.
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