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West Nile Virus and Mosquito & Vector Control Awareness Week

by The AV Times Staff • April 20, 2015

Unused pools are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, officials say. Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District by calling 661-942-2917. (File)
Unused pools are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, officials say. Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District by calling 661-942-2917. (File)

LANCASTER – The California State Assembly recently passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 51 (ACR 51) and declared the week of April 19-25 as West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week.

The Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is reminding residents to do their part to reduce the mosquito population and disease risk in the Antelope Valley.

West Nile virus is a potentially debilitating disease that’s transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
West Nile virus is a potentially debilitating disease that’s transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

“It takes teamwork to deal with the mosquito menace,” stated District Manager Cei Kratz. “Our technicians do what they can to treat mosquito breeding sites like ditches and basins, but residents have to make sure they are not creating habitat for these vectors on their property.”

The AVMVCD recommends that everybody follow the “Three D’s of Mosquito Control”:

  • Dump/drain all standing water.
  • Remember that mosquitoes are most active at dusk/dawn.
  • Defend against mosquitoes by use repellents (i.e., DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535), and dress in light-colored long sleeved clothes during mosquito activity.

The California Department of Public Health, as of April 10, reported West Nile Virus activity from four counties in five dead birds and one mosquito sample. Last year, the Antelope Valley recorded WNV in two people, five dead birds, four mosquito samples and 29 sentinel chickens.

More tips for keeping mosquitoes away and staying safe:

  • Check your property for any standing water from sprinklers or thunder showers.
  • Turn on fans to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Keep screen doors and windows in good repair and close them.
  • Don’t use bug zappers near your patio – they attract more mosquitoes than they kill.
  • Get free mosquito-eating fish (Gambusia affinis) for fish ponds, pools and horse troughs.
  • Vaccinate your horses properly.
  • Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the AVMVCD.
  • Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

To stay up-to-date on new WNV activity in the Antelope Valley and any mosquito-related information, visit www.avmosquito.org or contact the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District by phone at 661-942-2917.

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[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.]

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Filed Under: Lancaster

1 comment for "West Nile Virus and Mosquito & Vector Control Awareness Week"

  1. Laura DeGhionno says

    April 20, 2015 at 11:19 am

    REALLY LONG SLEEVES REPELLENTS….VACCINATE YOUR HORSES…WHY NOT MR GOVERNMENT INVEST IN A VACCINE FOR HUMANS…I GOT WNV
    ENCEPHALITIS MENINGITIS HERE IN THE AV AUG. 2009 14 DAYS IN HOSPITAL 9 OTHERS IN THE HOSPITAL AT SAME TIME IT’S NO JOKE!! AND…THERE ARE EVER LASTING EFFECTS FROM IT I KNOW. IF IT CAN KILL HORSES…READERS PLEASE LOOK UP ENCEPHALITIS MENINGITIS THEN THINK ABOUT WHAT A LONG SLEEVE OR REPELLENT IS GOING TO DO FOR YOU…A VACCINE FOR HORSES BUT NOT HUMANS WOW!!!

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