Be Mosquito Free, Fight the Bite this 4th of July!

Be Mosquito Free,

Fight the Bite this 4^th of July!

This coming 4^th of July and holiday weekend, many Maricopa County residents will go out to enjoy fireworks displays throughout the valley and participate in other various outdoor activities.

Before the festivities begin, the Maricopa County Environmental Services and Public Health departments would like to remind residents to take precautions against West Nile Virus (WNV).

“We have to be mindful that West Nile virus is a permanent health risk in Maricopa County.  It is important to be aware and take the proper preventative measures to fight the bite, and protect ourselves and our families.” said Joy Rich, Assistant Maricopa County Manager.

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.      

Prevention is the best tool we have.  There is no vaccine for WNV, and treatment will only relieve your symptoms. You are your best protection against West Nile Virus. Remember that mosquitoes are most active after dusk and before dawn. 

Take these precautions to prevent West Nile Virus:

• When outdoors wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
• Wear a mosquito repellant containing DEET (follow label instructions, especially for use on children).
• Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your property by removing standing water in potted plants, tires and other containers.
• Repair damaged window and door screens.
• Contact Maricopa County for drop-off locations for possible WNV positive dead birds
• Report stagnant water such as green pools

So far this year, Maricopa County Department of Public Health has not received any laboratory-confirmation of human cases of West Nile Virus infection.  Last year, Maricopa County had 79 confirmed West Nile Virus cases, and 4 deaths.

For more information on West Nile virus, as well as for WNV dead bird drop-off locations, to report green pools or file any mosquito related complaint, and for WNV materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv

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