State legislatire declares April 26-30 West Nile Virus and mosquito and Vector Control Awareness week

Campaign Alerts Public of the Threat of West Nile Virus and Other Diseases

Mosquitoes and warm weather go hand in hand. Coinciding with the launch of mosquito season,

the California State Legislature declared the week of April 26-30, 2010, West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector

Control Awareness Week in California. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can result in debilitating

cases of meningitis and encephalitis, and death to humans, horses, avian species and other wildlife.

“Above average rainfall and flooding followed by warm spring weather have made stagnant water in ditches, drains, gutters and pools ideal for mosquito breeding,” said Jerry Davis, president of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC). “That is why we ask residents this mosquito season to take the threat of mosquito-borne illness very seriously and work toward preventing bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.”

The following safety precautions are recommended by the California Department of Health Services:

Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two

hours after sunset.

When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Apply insect repellant containing DEET according to label instructions.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or

holes.

Eliminate all sources of standing water, which can support mosquito breeding.

Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where

you live or work.

The Legislature’s resolution, adopted March 25, 2010, acknowledges that in 2009, West Nile virus resulted in four deaths in California and 112 reported human cases of the virus. The California Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict West Nile virus will again pose a public health threat in California in 2010. Adequately funded mosquito and vector control, disease surveillance and public awareness programs are the best way to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus and other diseases borne by mosquitoes and other vectors.

To learn more about activities in your area for West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week,

contact your local mosquito and vector control agency. Contact information can be found on MVCAC’s website at

www.mvcac.org.

MVCAC represents 63 special districts and other subdivisions of local government responsible for mosquito and vector control, surveillance of West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases, and public education programs to help Californians protect themselves from disease. MVCAC advocates safe, effective and environmentally friendly methods of mosquito and vector control.