[Archived] Mosquitos Carrying West Nile Virus Found

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

For More Information Contact:
Barbara Gordon, Public Information Officer
City of Alexandria 703. 838.4300, or

Bob Custard, Environmental Health Manager
Alexandria Health Department
703.838.4400, Ext.254

MOSQUITOES CARRYING WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN ALEXANDRIA

Dr Charles Konigsberg, Jr., Health Director for the City of Alexandria, announced today (July 18) that mosquitoes collected from a mosquito trap in Alexandria have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were Culex restuans, a species that primarily feeds on birds, but also bites humans. The mosquito trap in which these mosquitoes were caught was located near Ivy Hill Cemetery on King Street.

“People need to pay special attention to eliminating mosquito breeding areas around the home and protecting themselves from mosquito bites while outside this summer. The wet spring weather has greatly increased the mosquito population compared to a year ago,” said Joe Fiander, an Environmental Health Specialist with the Alexandria Health Department.

“We are expecting an increase in West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes this year, which will increase the risk of human infection,” said Bob Custard, Environmental Health Manager for the Alexandria Health Department. “However, this is the first time we have trapped West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in Alexandria,” Custard added.

Twenty-nine human cases of West Nile virus and two deaths were confirmed in Virginia in 2002. In addition, 933 birds, 45 horses, and 180 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus in Virginia. West Nile virus was first detected in Virginia in the fall of 2000. So far this year, no birds have tested positive for West Nile in Alexandria. Today's discovery of the mosquitos with West Nile virus is the first case of its kind this year in Alexandria.

West Nile virus is spread to birds, humans, horses and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick. People who do get sick
usually suffer a mild flu-like illness. People over age 50 are at greatest risk of serious illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

It is important to follow these tips to reduce the potential for contracting the disease and to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes:

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
� Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
� If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting. Check window and door screens to ensure that mosquitoes do not enter your home.
� Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Do not use repellent under clothing. Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face.
� Adults should apply repellent on children.
� Follow label instructions when using insect repellents. Do not apply repellent over cuts, wounds, sunburns, or irritated skin.
� Wash repellent off daily and reapply as needed.

To control mosquito breeding:

� Eliminate standing water by turning over or removing containers such as old tires, potted plant trays, boats, buckets and toys.
� Empty the water from birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
� Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly so that they drain properly.
� Eliminate standing water on tarps and flat roofs.
� Do not leave garbage can lids upside down or allow water to collect in garbage cans.

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[Archived] Mosquitos Carrying West Nile Virus Found - Alexandria Offers Safety Tips