FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday August 1, 2008
Mosquito and Vector Control District Warns Residents:
West Nile Virus Risk Highest in Recent Years
The West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeing the highest increase in West Nile virus (WNv) since 2004, making the chance of human infection by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes even more threatening. The District's vector ecology lab has seen a marked increase of mosquito populations, many of which are shown to be carrying West Nile virus. During the past two weeks alone, 27% mosquito collections (individual mosquitoes grouped into batches of 5-50) were found carrying the deadly virus. Dead bird reports are also soaring. The District has also had an overwhelming number of dead birds reported to date this year.
Over 40% of the birds tested either in house or by the University of California Center for Vector-Borne Disease Laboratories have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
District staff is collaborating with local code enforcement agencies, using helicopter surveillance to identify unmaintained swimming pools and other sources, and working mandatory overtime shifts, including weekends, to identify and suppress mosquito populations and inform the public of the risk.
Dr. Min-Lee Cheng, District Manager for the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District said, "The severity of these numbers has the District on high alert. The risk of humans contracting West Nile virus is ever increasing since its introduction into California in 2003. The District is employing all necessary means to combat mosquitoes. Now our residents must help aid in the fight."
The District reminds residents to:
Dump standing water - tires, buckets, birdbaths, flower pots, and even soda cans can become "mosquito nurseries".
Defend your house - make sure screens on windows and doors are tight fitting and in good repair.
Defend yourself - when outdoors at dusk and dawn, use a mosquito repellent. T
The active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective.
Call the District to report green pools or mosquito problems: The District can help you with mosquito problems, and always takes anonymous calls regarding green pools or mosquito breeding sources.
For more information visit: www.wvmosquito.org and www.westnile.ca.gov.
Residents can also report dead birds and squirrels to the CA Department of Public Health's toll-free hotline, 877-WNV BIRD or visit on-line at: www.westnile.ca.gov.
For more information or an interview, please contact Min-Lee Cheng or Brian Reisinger at 909-635-0307.
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
1295 East Locust St. Ontario CA 91761
Telephone 909-635-0307
Fax 909-635-0405
Website: www.wvmosquito.org
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and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.