West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found Throughout Fairfax County Residents Reminded to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Areas and Use DEET

August 9, 2004

West Nile virus is active in mosquitoes in many parts of Fairfax County, according to surveillance data collected weekly since May by the Fairfax County Health Department. The announcement comes at the mid-point of West Nile virus season, which typically runs May through October.

The county's West Nile virus program staff has been collecting mosquitoes weekly this season from more than 140 traps set throughout the county. The mosquitoes are tested to determine the presence of West Nile virus in the mosquito population. To date, more than 41,000 mosquitoes have been tested in Fairfax County. "Each week we find more mosquitoes infected with the virus," said Jorge Arias, Ph.D., supervisor of the county's West Nile virus program.

Fairfax County's Health Director, Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., asks all residents to continue their efforts in reducing the mosquito population and the spread of the West Nile virus by eliminating mosquito breeding areas around their homes and neighborhoods. "The simple act of emptying standing water from plant pots, containers, roof gutters, old tires and other outdoor items that collect water will reduce risk of infection for the whole community," said Addo-Ayensu. "Standing water should be emptied, changed weekly, or treated with a mosquito larvicide."

Because West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, public health officials are asking residents to use mosquito repellent containing up to 30 percent DEET when outdoors to avoid mosquito bites.

Wild birds also can become infected with West Nile virus. This season one bird has tested positive for West Nile virus in Fairfax County, bringing the statewide West Nile virus-positive bird count up to six as of Aug. 2.

"This year the number of calls regarding dead birds has been below the levels of prior years. We do not know if fewer birds are dying or if fewer people are calling," said Arias. If anyone in Fairfax County finds a dead bird near their home or business, they can report it to health officials by calling the Health Department's dead bird line at 703-246-2300, TTY 703-591-6435. The correct way to dispose of a dead bird is by double-bagging it and placing it in the garbage.

The Health Department has implemented an aggressive West Nile virus public education campaign, "Fight the Bite: Say NO to MOsquitoes." Materials are published in five languages - English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese and can be downloaded from the program's Web site.