West Nile Virus Season Arrives

County health recommends prevention measures

Humboldt Sentinel
News 6/9/08
By Sentinel Staff

EUREKA -- Humboldt County health officials are reminding the public that as summer approaches and temperatures warm up, mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNV) will also be arriving.

Although no human or horse cases of WNV have been detected in California so far this year, 65 birds from 11 counties have tested positive for the virus. It has also been found in two sentinel chicken flocks in one county and 11 mosquito pools in three counties. It has not been found at all in any coastal counties north of Los Angeles.

Thanks to Humboldt County’s cooler temperatures mosquitoes carrying WNV aren’t present in large numbers and their ability to transmit disease is greatly reduced. Mosquitoes typically appear in Humboldt County from mid June to the end of September.

People can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes when traveling to regions where WNV has appeared by taking three simple steps:

Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of eucalyptus. DEET can be used on infants and children as young as 2 months old. Mosquitoes generally bite early in the morning and evening, so it is important to wear repellent at these times.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with holes or tears.

Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old tires, rain gutters, buckets and pet bowls. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water.

Ranchers and farmers are encouraged not to over-irrigate their fields. Standing water in fields, adjacent ditches, small ponds, neglected swimming pools and man-made containers are prime breeding grounds for the WNV mosquito.

Bird baths and water troughs should have their water changed weekly. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

In addition to reporting dead birds, Humboldt County residents are encouraged to report dead tree squirrels. Dead birds and squirrels can be reported on the Web site or by calling 877-968-2473.

For more information on WNV contact the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division at 707-445-6215 or log onto the State of California WNV Web site at www. westnile.ca.gov. The Web site has been updated to make it easier for the public to find the latest information on WNV activity in the state.