Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Mosquitoes From Four More Locations in Arlington Positive for West Nile Virus
Health officials again urge residents to take precautions
ARLINGTON, Va. – Mosquitoes in Rock Spring Park, at the Water Treatment Control Plant, and at the intersection of I-66 and N. Fairfax Drive have tested positive for West Nile virus, Arlington County public health officials reported today.
Mosquitoes previously tested positive in these other areas of the County: Bluemont Park, Barcroft Park, Glen Carlyn Park and S. Cleveland Street.
”We continue to encourage Arlington residents to reduce exposure to mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting outdoor activities at dawn or dusk, and using insect repellent for outdoor activities,” said Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau Chief Richard Cole. “We also encourage residents to eliminate all sources of water that can sustain mosquito breeding in their backyard.”
Sources that can breed mosquitoes include: bird baths, flowerpots, tires, children’s toys, wading pools, and other water-holding containers. Residents also should repair or replace door or window screens that have tears or holes and keep grass and shrubs trimmed.
For more information about West Nile Virus and mosquito control visit the County website.
Background
“The Arlington mosquito control program uses mosquito traps as part of its West Nile virus surveillance efforts,” said Aftab “Shaw” Hussain of the Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau. “Our staff routinely treats catch basins and standing water on County property using an environmentally-friendly larvicide to eliminate mosquito larvae. If a mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile virus as in this case, we increase the application of larvicide in the area that tested positive to inhibit mosquito breeding.”
Steps you can take
Reduce your exposure to mosquitoes:
- Make sure window and door screens in your home are functional and in place.
- Use insect repellent products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency such as products containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When using a product containing DEET, no more than 50 percent DEET should be used and less than 30 percent should be used for children. Follow instructions when using insect repellents.
Reduce the threat of mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs:
- Remove all artificial breeding sources such as cans, bottles, plastic containers and old tires from your yard.
- Replace the water in birdbaths and potted plant trays at least once a week.
- Turn over wading pools, small boats, wheelbarrows, buckets and toys so they don’t hold water.
- Shake out the tarps that cover grills, firewood, boats, swimming pools and yard equipment at least once a week.
- Keep garbage cans and recycling containers closed.
- Drain or treat unused swimming pools.
- Keep rain gutters clean to prevent them from holding standing water.
About West Nile Virus
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).
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
