Fight the Bite! Mosquitoes Not so Cool

For more information:	Johnny Diloné, Environmental Services Public Information Officer
	Office: 602-506-6611  Cell: 602-525-2423
	Emily Poland, Public Health Public Information Officer
	Office: 602-506-6607  Cell: 602-722-1806
October 14, 2005

Evening temperatures are dropping encouraging Maricopa residents to spend more time enjoying the cool weather outdoors.  However, the current temperatures are still favorable for mosquitoes to be active and to breed.  Maricopa County officials remind residents that there is still a threat of West Nile virus (WNV) in our communities.  Everyone should remain vigilant and take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from WNV.

West Nile virus is a serious and potentially deadly disease that is most often spread by mosquitoes that contract the virus from feeding on infected birds.  Mosquitoes that harbor WNV bite humans and animals transmitting the disease.  Even minimal amounts of water can create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes which may carry WNV. 

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 and 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 61 laboratory-confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, 3 human deaths attributed to WNV, 120 WNV positive mosquito samples, 11 positive horses, 3 positive birds, and 31 positive chickens from sentinel 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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