Supervisor Haggerty Urges Residents to Protect Themselves Against West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is often dismissed as an illness that is no worse than the flu, yet both can be fatal. Unlike the flu, there is no human vaccine available to cure or prevent against West Nile virus. As the virus is spread only through the bite of an infected mosquito, there are means of prevention.

Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District and Supervisor Scott Haggerty urge residents to ask themselves if they are taking the proper precautions to protect against West Nile virus.

Alameda County is experiencing the most active West Nile virus season on record, with reports of the greatest activity happening in Livermore.

“This does not mean residents should be afraid to go outside,” said Supervisor Scott Haggerty, representing Alameda County’s First District, which includes the cities of Livermore, Dublin, Fremont and unincorporated East County. “However, it does mean that residents should heighten their awareness and take the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

The first step to avoid being bitten is to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area. This can be done by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. All mosquitoes need water to develop. Drain or cover any standing water on your property and female mosquitoes will have no place to lay their eggs. If you have a swimming pool make sure it is properly maintained. If you can’t maintain your pool, call the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District at (510) 783-7744 to get mosquitofish. Mosquitofish will eat mosquito larvae in the pool. They can also be used in ornamental ponds, water gardens, and animal watering troughs.

The second step to avoiding bites is to protect against adult mosquitoes. Avoid spending time outdoors during peak biting times like dusk and dawn. If you are outside, limit the areas exposed to mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants. Wear mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are registered for use against mosquitoes.

In addition, keep mosquitoes from coming inside your home with tight fitting screens on all of windows and doors.

Finally, Supervisor Haggerty also urges residents to report the finding of any dead birds or tree squirrels by calling (877) WNV-BIRD or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

“West Nile virus is a bird disease that can be passed to humans and other animals, such as horses. Dead birds may be an indication that the virus is present in an area,” Haggerty said.

For information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus, visit www.mosquitoes.org. For questions or information regarding West Nile virus symptoms, contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510) 267-8001.

—Information submitted by the Office of Scott Haggerty