Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington Reports Year's First West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes
South Arlington mosquito pool tests positive
Arlington, Va. -- Arlington County public health officials announced today that a mosquito pool (group of mosquitoes) recently collected in south Arlington at the Water Pollution Control Plant tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus positive mosquito pools have been reported in Fairfax and Prince William Counties earlier this month.
“This is the first batch to test positive in Arlington this year,” said Reuben Varghese, MD, MPH, Arlington County Public Health Director. “This is a reminder to residents that West Nile virus is still active in Arlington County and now is the time to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the home and protect against mosquito-borne illness.”
Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not get sick
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).
Discovery a result of Arlington's aggressive surveillance efforts
“Arlington mosquito control program uses mosquito traps and sentinel chickens as part of its aggressive 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 or a sentinel chicken 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.”
To reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- Avoid going outside at dawn and at dusk; mosquitoes are most active at these times.
- 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.
To prevent mosquito breeding:
- Turn over, drain, or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.
- Do not leave garbage can lids upside down or allow water to collect in garbage cans.
- Fill in or drain root-ball holes (from downed trees) or any depression that holds water for more than a week.
- Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs, and in boats.
- Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly.
For more information about West Nile virus please visit the Arlington County website at: www.arlingtonva.us.
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.
