Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington Reports Increased West Nile Virus Activity In the County
No human cases detected in region
ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington County public health officials announced today that seven more mosquito pools recently collected from areas throughout Arlington have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
“There have been increases recently in the presence of WNV in mosquitoes in Northern Virginia,” said Reuben Varghese, MD, MPH, Arlington County Public Health Director. “Fortunately, there have been no human cases in the region. However, the increase in the number of WNV-positive mosquito pools should serve as a reminder that people need to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
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. However, the disease can cause more severe symptoms in people over 50 with compromised immune systems.
The Environmental Health Bureau continues to use larvicide aggressively throughout the County and to pursue its surveillance efforts. “The goal of using larvicide is to decrease the mosquito population and consequently decrease the chance that Arlington residents are bitten by an infected mosquito,” said Aftab “Shaw” Hussain, PhD, Vector Control supervisor, Arlington County Public Health Division.
“In addition to the county’s use of larvicide, Arlington residents and businesses can play a critical role in controlling mosquito breeding through reducing or eliminating standing water,” said Richard Cole, Environmental Health Bureau Chief, Arlington County Public Health Division. “Residents, businesses and other property owners should inspect their own property for likely mosquito breeding sites and dump or drain the water. It only takes a half-inch of standing water (equivalent to a thimble) to breed mosquitoes. Dumping or draining water stops the mosquito life cycle.”
Arlington County Public Health recommends the following measures for residents and businesses:
- Eliminate standing water on your property by dumping or draining water in neglected swimming pools; spas; ponds; flat roofs; clogged rain gutters; rain barrels; discarded tires; buckets; holes in trees; watering troughs; leaking garden equipment; puddles around faucets and window air conditioning units; water gardens; boats and cargo trailers or anything holding water for more than a week.
- Change the water in pet dishes daily and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not being used.
- Protective measures against mosquito exposure and/or bites:
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- Avoid going out at dawn and at dusk. Mosquitoes are most active at these times.
- Use insect repellent products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency such as products containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow instructions when using insect repellents.
- Make sure window and door screens in your home are functional and in place.
For more information about West Nile virus and the locations where these mosquitoes have been tested positive, click here to visit the County 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.
