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For additional information: |
Johnny Diloné, Environmental Services Public Information Officer |
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Office: 602-506-6611 Cell: 602-525-2423 |
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Emily Poland, Public Health Public Information Officer |
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Office: 602-506-6607 Cell: 602-722-1806 |
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August 5, 2005 |
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West Nile Virus 2005
It’s raining cats and dogs, and mosquitoes too!
Recent monsoon storms have brought large amounts of precipitation to Maricopa County creating more opportunities for mosquito breeding. County residents are encouraged to remove any standing water resulting from these rains. Even minimal amounts of water can create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes which may carry West Nile virus (WNV).
West Nile virus is a serious and potentially deadly disease that is most often spread by the bite of mosquitoes that have become infected from feeding on infected birds.
Take these precautions to prevent West Nile virus:
- Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your property by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, buckets and other containers
- Keep fountains and swimming pools properly operating and free from debris
- Report to Maricopa County stagnant water such as green pools
- Repair damaged window and door screens
- Contact Maricopa County for possible WNV infected dead birds drop-off locations
- When outdoors wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites
- Avoid outdoor activity before dawn and after dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- When outdoors wear a mosquito repellant (follow label instructions, especially for use on children)
So far this year, Maricopa County Public Health and Environmental Services departments have received 10 laboratory-confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, 65 WNV positive mosquito samples, 6 positive horses, 1 positive bird and 11 positive sentinel chickens flocks.
For more information on West Nile virus, to file mosquito related complaints, and for WNV materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv
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