[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Issues Safety Reminders for 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2004
PIO 138-04

Alexandria Health Department Issues Safety Reminders for West Nile Virus

Due to the recent discovery of a crow carrying West Nile virus in Norfolk, the Alexandria Health Department has issued safety reminders for City residents.

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.

For more information, contact Bob Custard, Environmental Health Manager, Alexandria Health Department, 703.838.4400, ext. 254.

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