[Archived] Health Department Asks Residents to Help Protect Against Mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

The Alexandria Health Department is asking residents and businesses to help fight the mosquito population this summer by getting rid of standing pools of water around their homes and businesses, where mosquitoes may breed.

The Health Department’s request follows reports of outbreaks of the West Nile virus on the East Coast last fall, and the discovery of dead infected birds recently in New York.

Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus, an illness that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to encephalitis and death. Mild symptoms of the virus also include fever, head and body aches and swollen lymph glands. More serious cases are accompanied by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, which can progress to stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, paralysis and possibly death. The elderly, young children and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of contacting the disease.

“The risk is not significant in Alexandria at this point because of the many birds we have tested, we have not found any with the virus,” Robert Pritchett, chief of Environmental Health, said. “The risk, however, will increase toward the end of the summer, when the mosquito population is at its highest.

“Minimizing the mosquito population will help reduce the risk of disease transmission,” Pritchett said. “The City, through its health department, is taking proactive measures to monitor and control both the mosquitoes and the virus.”

In December of last year, area health departments and environmental officials created a Northern Virginia response group to address the public health issues associated with the West Nile virus. The Alexandria Health Department is a part of that group, along with representatives from the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. The response committee is continuing surveillance of the bird, mosquito and human populations in the area. It also will work to keep the public informed about how they can help control mosquito population growth.

Mosquitoes that feed on infected birds carry the virus. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that Mid-Atlantic states on the migratory paths of East Coast birds be closely watched. Common carriers of the disease include blue jays and crows.

Although the more aggressive Asian Tiger mosquito has not been proven to transmit the virus, the more common breed, Culex Pipiens, is a transmitter. No cases of the virus have been reported in Virginia.

Last fall, unprecedented cases of West Nile virus were discovered in New York. Sixty-one people were infected in the New York City area and seven died. Last summer, a dead crow infected with the disease was found in Baltimore, Md. The discovery of the bird led many people to believe the disease was moving south from New York. It is very important for people to take precautions to help control the mosquito population in Alexandria and surrounding areas.

Mosquitoes breed in shallow pools of standing water. Hundreds of offspring can breed in just a teaspoon of standing water. Consequently, residents should change the water in their birdbaths and wading pools at least twice a week. They also should make sure unused buckets, wheelbarrows and other devices that might collect rainwater are turned upside down for storage.

Cleaning clogged roof gutters and aerating fish ponds also will help in the effort.

People can protect against mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and dusk hours. If participating in outside activities during these times, people should wear long sleeves and long pants. Insect repellant can help too. Twenty to 30 percent DEET is recommended for adults. A pediatrician should be consulted to determine the best repellent for children to use.

The Health Department has arranged for the collection and testing of dead birds. Citizens should call the animal shelter at (703)838-4853 or (703)838-4775 to report dead crows, blue jays, hawks or falcons. The animal shelter will collect the birds and transport them for laboratory testing to check for the virus.

There is no vaccine for the virus. Treatment involves intensive support therapy.

For more information visit the web at: www.ci.alexaandria.va.us/city/health/environmental_health.html or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/West_Nile_QA.html or search with the key words West Nile virus.

You also can contact the Department of Health and Environmental Quality at (703)838-4881.

Additional ways to help control the mosquito population include:

Dispose of cans, bottles and plastic containers properly. Keep items to be recycled in stored containers.

Drill drainage holes in tires used as playground equipment.

Do not leave trash can lids upside down or allow water to collect in the bottoms if trash cans.

Adjust tarps covering firewood, grills, boats, swimming pools, etc. to eliminate standing water.

Empty flower pot holder trays.

Regrade drainage areas and clean out debris in ditches to eliminate standing water in low spots.

Fix leaky outdoor water faucets.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools.

Eliminate condensation puddles around air conditioners.

Do not leave pet food and water bowls outside while not in use.