Officials are reminding the public to take precautions against West Nile virus after reports of an alarming increase in West Nile virus activity throughout the region.
In spite of additional breeding sites like abandoned swimming pools, the operational efforts by the mosquito control agencies are keeping mosquito populations suppressed.
This year, however, mosquitoes are more likely to be carrying the virus; in some areas the infection rate is twice the rate ever seen before. The greatest opportunity to reduce the possibility of WNV transmission is for the public to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Interviews with victims reveal that there was often little concern for personal protection. Open windows with no screens and eating dinner outdoors in the evening without wearing a suitable repellent are some of the practices admitted to by WNV victims. As of Aug. 1, the number of human cases in Southern California was 22. That number had grown to 31 by Aug. 6. August and September are when the most humans have been diagnosed in past years.
In response to this growing threat, mosquito control agencies are launching an educational radio campaign to remind the public that their individual actions will make a difference. The campaign will emphasize personal-protection steps such as eliminating or reporting standing water, repairing and replacing window screens and wearing an approved repellent.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit www.westnile.ca.gov.
