HealthQuest

With the recent heavy rainstorms, water has collected in many areas. A concern with standing water is the potential for mosquito breeding and the possible spread of West Nile Virus. State, county and local vector control agencies are gearing up to address this problem earlier than usual this year, since the primary seasons for mosquito breeding are normally spring and summer.

Infected mosquitoes that bite humans and animals spread West Nile Virus. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus will not become ill, but some people experience mild symptoms such as a low-grade fever, skin rash, headache and body aches. Only in very rare instances do the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems develop severe symptoms (with some of the infections being fatal). There is no vaccine yet for the virus.West Nile Virus is not spread by person-to-person contact, and there is no evidence of the virus spreading to people by handling infected live or dead birds. Prevention is your best defense against this virus.

Personal Protection

Protect yourself in areas with mosquito activity by following these steps:

• Wear long sleeves/pants to cover up skin when outside, especially at dusk and during the early morning.
• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to thin clothing and exposed skin.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.

Control Mosquito Breeding

An important way to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus is to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and larvae develop into adults over a period of about one week.

• Eliminate standing water at your home and job site.
• Drain ponds and pools that are not circulating.
• Empty out buckets and other standing water sources.
• Report mosquito breeding areas by calling DEH Vector Control for San Diegoat (888) 551-4636.

Back to the top