West Nile virus surveillance has begun for summer season
This month, the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Environmental Health Section of William Beaumont Army Medical Center will start the mosquito surveillance program. The past two seasons have shown a major decline in the number of mosquitoes trapped.
The Fort Bliss community must continue to take the necessary steps to help reduce the risk of this potential disease carrying arthropod. The DPM has conducted West Nile virus testing over the past two years and all tests to date have been negative for the virus. We must continue to be aware by staying wise and cautious. Let us remember, female mosquitoes are seeking blood meals to reproduce their eggs and to carry on their life cycle wherever they land.
Control methods:
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites by emptying water from birdbaths, old tires and other outdoor containers that hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots or in pet dishes for more than two days. Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water under or around structures, or on flat roofs. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks to eliminate puddles that remain for several days. Maintain swimming pools properly. Remember, it only takes a small amount of standing water for female mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Diseases:
Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism, with more than 1 million people dying from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that harm humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. Mosquito vector diseases include protozoan diseases like malaria, filarial diseases and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. These diseases can have either a minor effect or a major effect, or can even be lethal.
We cannot eliminate every mosquito out there, but there are ways of preventing at-risk situations. Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening. This is when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks whenever you are outdoors; wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent mosquito bites through thin fabric. Use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The repellent should have at least 20 to 35 percent of the ingredient called DEET or N,N-Diethyl-meta-Toluamide. Avoid applying repellants to portions of children’s hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth. Pregnant and nursing women should minimize use of repellents. Never use repellants on wounds or irritated skin. Moreover, wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors. Prohibit mosquito entrance by making sure door and window screens do not have holes in them. Also, remember vitamin B, ultrasonic devices and bug zappers are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.
For more information go to http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/westnilevirus or call 569-3618.