Residents Reminded to Eliminate Standing Water, Protect Themselves Against Mosquito Bites
Mosquito collections in the 4200 block of Eisenhower Avenue, the Cameron Knoll Community, and Angel Park in the City of Alexandria have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, marking the first reported activity of the virus in the City for the 2010 season.
The mosquitoes were collected by the Environmental Health Division on July 6 and confirmed positive for West Nile Virus. No human cases of West Nile Virus disease have been reported in the City of Alexandria this year. One human case was reported last year.
The Alexandria Health Department 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 flowerpots, 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 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, Picardin, or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus, as per label directions.
- Wear loose, long and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
- Check window and door screens for holes and repair, if necessary, with a fine-mesh screen.
The Alexandria Health Department Environmental Health Division is also taking steps to reduce the risk of West Nile virus for City residents, including:
- Monitoring mosquito populations in the City by location, species and number
- Testing target species of mosquito for West Nile virus
- Larviciding storm drains
- Identifying areas of standing water and treating them with larvacide
- Providing information to the public about how they can eliminate mosquito breeding sites
- Providing information to the public about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites
For additional questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes or mosquito-borne illness, please contact Kristin Binkley, Environmental Health Division, at 703.746.4973, or visit alexandriava.gov/MosquitoControl.
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