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Mosquitoes Never Rest —Even on Labor Day Fight the Bite!!!
West Nile Virus 2005
Mosquitoes Never Rest —
Even on Labor Day Fight the Bite!!!
Schools are back in session, summer is winding down, and the last major holiday of summer is here. However, Maricopa residents must not let their guard down from the potential risk of West Nile Virus (WNV).
Mosquito breeding season is still in its peak and Maricopa County residents need to be mindful of the potential threat of WNV and take proper precautions to prevent contracting the disease. This Labor Day weekend whatever your plans may entail, it is important to be mindful of the potentially serious disease while spending it outdoors, whether entertaining, camping, in the yard or enjoying other activities.
There are several things that the public can do to protect themselves against West Nile Virus,
Maricopa County departments of Public Health and Environmental Services suggest the following:
- 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 stagnant water such as green pools to Maricopa County
- 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)
Thus far this year, Maricopa County Public Health and Environmental Services departments have received laboratory confirmation of 19 human cases of WNV, 84 WNV positive mosquito samples, 7 positive sentinel chickens, 7 positive horses, and 2 positive birds.
For more information on West Nile virus, dead bird drop off locations, or to file complaints, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv
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