Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington Reports Another West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Batch
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Arlington County public health officials announced today that another mosquito batch,collected recently near the McCoy Park area in North Arlington, has tested positive for West Nile virus.
“This is the second batch to test positive in Arlington this year,” said Reuben Varghese, MD, MPH, Arlington County Public Health Director. “The West Nile virus is still present in Arlington County and residents need to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the home and protect against mosquito-borne illness.”
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's mosquito control program uses mosquito traps and sentinel chickens as part of its West Nile Virus surveillance efforts,” said Aftab “Shaw” Hussain, PhD, with the Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau. “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 sentinel chicken test positive for West Nile virus as in this case, staff increases the application of larvicide in the area that tested positive to inhibit mosquito breeding.”
The Arlington County Public Health Division recommends the following tips 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.
- 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 County's Web site or the National Institutes of Health Web site.
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.
