Simple Measures Help Prevent Spread of West nile Virus
By Supervisor Scott Beveridge
August 8, 2007
CHESTNUT HILL Officials from the Department of Environmental Protection today reminded area residents of simple steps they can take to control mosquitoes in their own yards an important effort in combating the spread of the West Nile virus. "DEP and county coordinators are working to keep the mosquitoes under control, but you can also play a big role in controlling the population of these insects," said Environmental Protection Regional Director Joseph A. Feola. "Remember: dump it if it has water in it; drain it if it can be drained; and treat it if it has standing water. These are easy measures that everyone can take in their own back yards to help protect themselves and their family from the West Nile virus."
DEP provided the following tips to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home:
· Identify and eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
· Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers, including those that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
· Empty water that may accumulate in discarded tires.
· Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
· Have clogged roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to block the drains.
· Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
· Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.
· Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
· Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated, and prevent water from collecting on swimming pool covers.
DEP and county West Nile coordinators monitor the type, location and population of immature (larvae and pupae) and adult mosquitoes. This information is then used to treat those areas with high populations of mosquitoes that are known West Nile carriers.
Pennsylvania's aggressive approach has contributed to a drop in the number of human West Nile virus cases, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile fever and encephalitis, an infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and death.
Last year, the virus was found in 48 Pennsylvania counties. In Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, it was found only in birds and mosquitoes.
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop any symptoms, and only one in 150 with symptoms will develop the more serious West Nile encephalitis.
In 2005, 25 residents contracted the disease, with no deaths attributed to the virus. In 2006, two of nine Pennsylvanians contracted West Nile virus and died.
Because mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, residents are reminded to report dead crows, blue jays and hawks.
West Nile control coordinators will collect a limited number of dead crows, blue jays, hawks, owls, eagles and falcons for testing through Oct. 31. Residents who discover dead birds and would like to submit them for testing should call the local West Nile county coordinator.
When handling dead birds, use rubber gloves. If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, grasp the bird carefully and invert the bag over the bird. Each bird should be placed in a tied plastic bag and then placed inside a second tied bag. If you are not submitting the bird for testing, place the bagged bird in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water.
For more information about West Nile virus, and register for updates via e-mail, visit http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/. People can also call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for information.
