With the spring weather here, people enjoy the fresh blossoms, the longer days and unfortunately, prepare to battle the mosquitoes. Already a nuisance, mosquitoes now pose the threat of the West Nile Virus which can cause simple flu-like symptoms in normally healthy People or manifest in its most serious form of encephalitis. Because of the potential to cause such a serious or even fatal illness, public health officials are monitoring the signs.,of its existence as well as environmental conditions that would contribute to the breeding of mosquitoes.
• Birds as indicators: Since large birds, hawks, falcons and especially crows are susceptible to the West Nile Virus, local health officials will be collecting these large birds to be submitted for analysis.
Residents are being asked to report sightings of these dead birds to the health department. Road kill and obvious decaying or trauma deaths need not be reported. The Summit Regional Health Department's number is (908) 277-6464. Since birds fly up to 200 miles a day, a positive test result does not necessarily mean the West Nile Virus is in your neighborhood. The state Health Department considers five positive birds to be a location confirmation.
• Other surveillance practices: The. Union County Mosquito Commission maintains light traps in each of the towns to collect and identify mosquitoes on a weekly basis. They also held a group of sentinel chickens last year to run blood tests on, as the chickens can be a carrier without getting the disease.
The agency is proactive in responding to calls from residents who believe there may be a mosquito harborage site in the area and they will evaluate standing water problems and treat as necessary to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. They can be reached at (908) 654-9834 or their web site at www.unioncountynj.org.
• Mosquito control: Obviously, reducing the mosquito population is the best way to control the West Nile Virus from spreading. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. On warm days eggs can develop into adult mosquitoes in as little as 10 days.
Here are 10 ways to eliminate stagnant water that can harbor mosquitoes:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, empty flower pots and any other containers that hold water, as these are all places mosquitoes can use to breed.
- Create holes in the bottom of trash and recycling containers so they do not hold water.
- Clean clogged roof gutters every year.
- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use,
- Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Water in birdbaths should be changed every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove water that collects in pool covers.
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
- Use landscaping that eliminates standing water.
- Maintain barriers over rain barrels or eliminate the use of them.
Other ways to reduce mosquito bite risk: It is important to remember that only six residents in New Jersey were confirmed to have the West Nile Virus last year.
Limiting one's outdoor activities at dawn and dusk and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help prevent bites. Maintain all window and door screens. Use insect repellant in accordance with the manufacturers' directions. Do not use products containing DEET over 35 percent, especially on children. Wash all treated skin and clothing when retaining.
Courtesy of: Echo Leader - May 24, 2001 issue
|
|