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Despite drought, West Nile threat said high |
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Written by Reporter1
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Monday, 25 June 2007 |
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Terry R. Smith, Adams County sanitarian/environmental director, has announced that - contrary to conventional wisdom - the drought-like conditions currently being experienced in the county actually provides ideal conditions for the spread of West Nile Virus.
Of the 50 species of mosquitoes in Indiana, there are five or six that are of public health importance and they are members of the Culex genus, said Smith. Culex is capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile Virus to humans.
"According to the state department of health, it is important to note that West Nile Virus presents a greater danger in times of drought and small amounts of rain," Smith said. "When there is little rain and the drainage ways become stagnant and high in organics, the Culex mosquito will breed prolifically. When the numbers of Culex are higher because of many more puddles of stagnant and highly organic water, the danger of disease transmission is greater. "
Smith said Decatur and Berne will be monitoring the presence of the West Nile Virus by submitting samples of mosquitoes to the Indiana State Department of Health's lab. Last summer, the virus was documented at several sites in both towns. Officials at Geneva and Monroe are also monitoring their towns for breeding sites and providing control measures as needed.
"Neighborhoods may be inspected by municipal workers who have been trained in mosquito control. They may notify you of a potential mosquito-breeding problem on your property. Mosquito-breeding is cause for concern if the type of mosquito is capable of transmitting disease," said Smith.
Individual property owners throughout the county can do much to help themselves, the sanitarian said. Culex mosquitoes can be found breeding in abundance in a variety of situations such as clogged rain gutters, rimless tires, bird baths, abandoned or unused swimming and wading pools, buckets, flower pots, tin cans "and virtually any type of container where water is allowed to collect and stagnate for several days "
" Please check your property for water-bearing containers and take appropriate action to help protect your neighborhood," Smith said. "Dispose of sewage in an approved septic system and make connections to municipal sewer systems where available. When outdoors, especially at night when the Culex is more active, use mosquito repellent."
For additional information, check the county's Web site at www.adams-county.com and go to the health department's link.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 June 2007 )
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