Take precautions to avoid West Nile virus
By Michael Picarella pic@theacorn.com

Mosquito season is here and officials are warning the public to take precautions to avoid the deadly West Nile virus. West Nile can cause encephalitis-an inflammation of the brain-and even death.

At about this time last year, Los Angeles and Ventura county residents started reporting cases of West Nile virus in people and horses. The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services hasn't reported any cases this year. Ventura County's Environmental Health Division reported its first West Nile virus-infected bird in April.

People and animals with weak immune systems are more susceptible to West Nile complications, according to Los Angeles County Vector Control District Manager Jack Hazelrigg. Babies, the elderly and people who are ill are most at risk. But anyone can be infected, Hazelrigg said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of 150 people bitten by infected mosquitoes, statistically less than one will become severely ill. Most people won't get sick or will experience only mild symptoms for a few days.

Still, dangers exist

Symptoms of West Nile virus, which usually appear five to 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito, include fever, body aches, mild skin rashes, nausea and headaches.

Contrary to some beliefs, West Nile virus isn't transmitted by person-to-person contact, just by mosquitoes infected with the virus.

Mosquito season in Southern California begins about the first week of May and continues until mid to late October.

Prevent mosquitoes

To prevent mosquitoes from spreading to your home, experts recommend the elimination of standing pools of water. Don't allow water to sit in flowerpots, in trash or in old tires.

If you have a swimming pool, keep it clean and chlorinated. If you cover your pool, make sure water doesn't form puddles on the cover.

If you have a garden pond, experts recommend stocking it with goldfish or mosquitofish. Birdbaths and wading pools should be drained and washed every few days.

Avoid being bitten

To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, experts suggest that you use insect repellents with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and a less-concentrated solution for children.

Always wear protective clothing, make sure your home has undamaged window screens to prevent mosquitoes from invading and, if you live near mosquito-infested areas, stay indoors at dawn and dusk when they are feeding.

If you have any suspicion that you've been infected, see a doctor immediately.

History

The West Nile virus was first spotted in 1937 in Africa, according to Hazelrigg, and has since spread to Western Asia,

the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It came to the U.S. in 1999. A mosquito with the virus might have spread the disease to California by hitching a ride on an airplane, Hazelrigg said.

More information

For details about West Nile virus, log onto the L.A. County Department of Health Services website at www.ladhs.org and click on "West Nile virus information." Or call the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656.

Ventura County residents should call the mosquito compliance hot line at (805) 6584310. The public is encouraged to report any dead birds of prey to the State Department of Health Services at (877) 968-2473.

For more information about mosquito control and s u r v e i l l a n c e e ff o r t s i n Ventura County, go to the Environmental Health Division's Internet website at www.ventura.org/envhealth.