[Archived] Health Department Urges Residents to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Threat

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 30, 2006 PIO# 169/jbh	Patricia Ferrao, Program Supervisor, (703) 838-4400 Ext. 327 Holly Feltner, EH Biologist,(703) 838-4400 Ext. 327 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO ELIMINATE MOSQUITO BREEDING THREAT
Flood Water and Warm Weather Combine to Create Ideal Conditions for Mosquitoes to Spread

The recent rains and flooding in the City of Alexandria have caused a number of standing water sources that can be prime sites for mosquito breeding. The Alexandria Department of Health is urging residents to take proactive efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites by eliminating all sources of standing water around their homes, such as bird baths, buckets, tarps, etc., that can support mosquito breeding.

“Record rainfall amounts in the City have saturated yards and other low lying areas, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, said Patricia Ferrao, Program Supervisor in the department’s Illness Prevention Program. We encourage residents to report any sites they are not able to drain so we can check for mosquito breeding and treat if necessary.”

Mosquito collections in the City tested positive for West Nile virus last season, and while no predictions can be made on the severity of West Nile virus this year, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and “fight the bite.” The Alexandria Health Department, Environmental Health Division, Vector-borne Illness Prevention Program recommends the following tips to eliminate mosquito breeding areas in your neighborhood and to reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes:

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding on Your Property
Empty birdbaths and other water-holding containers, such as trays under flower pots, at least once a week.
Properly dispose of used tires.
Clean roof gutters and downspouts. Check corrugated downspout drain pipes for any water collection.
Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, canoes, pails, trash can lids, children’s toys and any other objects that can hold water, including items stored under decks and porches.
Repair dripping outdoor water faucets.
Drain water from tarps and grill covers.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Avoid outdoor activities, at dawn and dusk, in mosquito-infested areas like marshes and wetlands.
Use insect repellants, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Picardin (KBR 3023) or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol - PMD), as per label directions.
Wear loose, long and light colored clothing when outdoors.
Check screens on doors and windows for holes. Repair, if necessary, using a fine-mesh screen. Screen repair kits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

For more information on West Nile virus and mosquitoes, visit the Virginia Department of Health website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/whc/external_whc/westnilevirus.asp or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/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.

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