Saint Louis
County, MO - (September
8, 2011) - Despite the recent mild
weather, a probable case of West Nile Virus that struck a twelve-year-old Wellston male is a reminder that the mosquito
season still has several weeks to go, according to the Saint Louis County Department of Health. The youth, who was
hospitalized briefly, has resumed normal activities after suffering WNV-type
symptoms.
The Wellston case is the first in the county this year.
One case was reported in 2010.
"Even though serious West Nile Virus
cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure," said Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn.
"We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply and protect ourselves by using
repellants."
Steps residents can take to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to flourish include:
- At least once a week, drain water from garbage cans, buckets, toys, flowerpots, wading pools, pet dishes, and other
objects that collect water. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.
- Keep gutters cleaned out, and repair any tears in door and window screens.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors outdoors.
- Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or picaridin, making sure to follow the directions on the label.
- Look for products containing the active ingredient methoprene or Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to place in
birdbaths or ponds, to prevent mosquitoes from developing.
- Flexible drainage pipe is commonly used to drain water from downspouts. A big drawback is that it holds water and
breeds mosquitoes if not properly sloped when installed.
The Health Department routinely collects mosquito samples to test and help determine where to focus control efforts. Vector Control monitors and treats standing water in public areas as part of its preventative larviciding program. To find out where the county will be spraying, call 615-4-BUG (615-4284) for the nightly mosquito-spraying schedule.
For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at 314-727-3097, or visit the Health Department website: www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness
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