[Archived] News Release - Alexandria Health Department Reminds Residents to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	August 31, 2007 PIO# 212-07/jlh	Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078

ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS
TO ELIMINATE MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES

The Alexandria Health Department encourages residents to be proactive in their efforts to eliminate standing water sites and protect themselves against mosquito bites. The recent thunderstorms have created a number of standing water habitats that are prime areas for mosquito breeding.

“Increased mosquito control efforts are especially important among homeowners and residents in the City to help decrease the risk of infection from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Charles Konigsberg, Jr., Alexandria Health Director.

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 age 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 for eliminating mosquito breeding areas on your property and protecting yourself against mosquito bites are listed below.

Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Areas

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

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk in mosquito-infested areas such as marshes and wetlands.
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.
Wear loose, long and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
Check window and door screens for holes and repair, if necessary, using fine-mesh screen.

For more information regarding West Nile virus, please visit the following web sites:

Virginia Department of Health:

http://www.alexhealth.org/environmental_services.html#mosquitos

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

For additional questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes or mosquito-borne illness, please call the Alexandria Vector-borne Illness Prevention Program, at 703.838.4400, ext. 326.

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