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TextWest Nile Virus Facts
West Nile virus was first detected in Fairfax County in 2000 when a
single crow was found to be infected. Fairfax County has since
implemented an intensive West Nile Virus Surveillance and Mosquito
Management Program that includes surveillance of mosquitoe and human
cases, as well as laboratory testing for West Nile virus, source reduction (elimination of
standing water), larviciding,
public education and community outreach.
Human Cases of West Nile Virus
West Nile virus was first detected in humans in Fairfax County in 2002,
in which there were 13 cases with one fatality. There were three human
cases of West Nile virus with no fatalities in 2003, and a single case,
which was fatal, in 2004.
For more information about WNV activity in humans in
Fairfax County, click here.
West Nile Virus Activity in Mosquitoes
The goal of the Fairfax County mosquito surveillance program is to
monitor adult vector mosquito populations and their West Nile virus
infection rates in order to better predict risk to human populations, and
to try to determine other factors associated that may influence WNV
transmission to humans. The mosquito surveillance program is
established throughout the County, and includes trapping stations throughout the
county, where traps are set on a weekly basis to collect adult
mosquitoes.
More information about WNV
activity in mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus Activity in Birds
The Health Department has observed a drop in the number of dead birds
reported in the County over the past three years. Much of this is due to
the fact that those birds adversely affected by West Nile virus infection
have died. Those not adversely affected by the infection have survived,
developed immunity and continue to contribute to the gene pool. The ones
that have died are no longer in the gene pool, while surviving birds have
developed immunity to the virus. Since West Nile virus has been in the
region for several years, there are a large number of immune birds in the
population.
Mosquito Control Efforts
The Health Department treats catch basins throughout the County with a
larvicide, an insecticide
used to kill mosquito larvae, in programmed cycles aimed at reducing
mosquito populations that breed in this environment. The first treatment
cycle typically begins in May each year, with the number and magnitude of
each cycle dependent on climatic factors and mosquito surveillance
results.
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