[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Reports Positive West Nile Virus Mosquitoes in the Del Ray Area of the City

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	August 19, 2005 PIO# 264-05	Patricia Ferrao, Env. Health Supervisor, (703) 838-4400 ext. 327 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Health Department Reports Positive West Nile Virus Mosquitoes
in the Del Ray Area of the City

(Alexandria, VA) - Two positive West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito collections were detected on August 17, 2005, in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, in the area of Monroe and Dewitt Avenues. In 2002 and 2003, two individuals who lived in this vicinity were diagnosed with West Nile virus.

Residents are being asked to be proactive in their efforts to eliminate standing water sites and protect themselves against mosquito bites. “Increased mosquito control efforts are especially important among homeowners and residents in the City to decrease the risk of infection from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Patricia Ferrao, Vector-borne Illness Prevention Program Supervisor with the Environmental Health Division of the Alexandria Health Department.

Most mosquitoes do not pose a threat to public health because they are not infected with viruses or other pathogens. Less than one percent of people bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus will become ill. People most at risk for developing symptoms of the disease are those over 50 and those with already compromised immune systems. All residents, however, should continue to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Some common measures to eliminating mosquito-breeding areas on your property as well as some tips to protect yourself against mosquito bites include:

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding on Your Property

q Empty birdbaths and other water-holding containers, such as trays under flowerpots, at least once a week.
q Properly dispose of used tires.
q Clean roof gutters and downspouts. Check corrugated black drainpipes for any water collection.

q Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, canoes, pails, trashcan lids, children’s toys, and any other object that can hold water, including items stored under decks and porches.
q Repair dripping outdoor water faucets.
q Drain water from tarps and grill covers.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

q Avoid outdoor activities, at dawn and dusk, in mosquito-infested areas like marshes and wetlands.
q Use insect repellants, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picardin (KBR 3023), or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol - PMD), as per label directions.
q Wear loose, long and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
q Check window and door screens for holes and repair, if necessary, with a fine-mesh screen.

For more information West Nile virus, please visit the following websites:

2. Virginia Department of Health:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/whc/external_whc/westnilevirus.asp

q U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/westnile.index.htm

For additional questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes or mosquito-borne illness, please call Patricia Ferrao, at (703) 838-4400 ext. 327, or Holly Feltner, at ext 326.