May 17, 2010 - The West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has received confirmation that mosquitoes collected from the Southwest corner of Chino, near Euclid and the 71 freeway, have tested positive for the presence of West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected on May 4th, using a carbon dioxide-baited trap. This type of trap attracts female mosquitoes looking for blood meals.
District Manager Min-Lee Cheng, Ph. D., said, "This is a significant find. We have concerns that given the current weather trends, early rainfall, and high foreclosure rates in our area, that West Nile virus transmission could be higher this summer. This is the first concrete sign of mosquito-borne disease in our area this year."
The District has already begun work to combat mosquito breeding sources, utilizing aerial photographs to locate potential mosquito breeding sources in backyards. The west half of the district has been photographed and neglected swimming pools have been marked for our technicians to visit. The eastern portion of the district is scheduled for aerial photography later this month.
Brian Reisinger, Community Outreach Coordinator for the District said, "It is very important for our residents to take a proactive approach to mosquito control and personal protection. Remember to use an effective mosquito repellent like DEET and picaridin when outdoors at dusk and dawn, make sure door and window screens are in good repair and fit tightly, and call the District if you are being bitten by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito breeding source."
More information can be viewed at www.wvmosquito.org or www.wvmvcd.org. The District phone number is 909-635-0307. The office is located at 1295 East Locust St.
Ontario CA, 91761 and is open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Symptoms of West Nile virus:
People infected with WNv can have no symptoms, West Nile Fever, or West Nile Neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms usually occur 2-15 days after infection. Symptoms of West Nile Fever can include:
~ Headaches (often severe migraines)
~ High fever
~ Tiredness and body aches
~ Occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands
Even healthy people may suffer sickness for several days to several weeks, and be unable to function normally.
Symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive disease can include:
~ Severe Headache
~ High Fever
~ Stiff neck
~ Stupor
~ Disorientation
~ Tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness
~ Paralysis
~ Coma
This form of the disease can lead to long-lasting if not permanent damage to the body and brain.
Remember to use these steps to protect yourself:
~ Dump standing water - tires, buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots, and even soda cans 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.
The active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective.
For more information visit: http://www.wvmosquito.org and http://www.westnile.ca.gov.
