Zika Virus Prevention Town Hall Wednesday in Fairfax City

FAIRFAX, VA — The Fairfax County Health Department will discuss Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases tonight at 7 during a town hall meeting in the City Hall Annex.

Topics will include what is known about Zika and what residents can do to prevent infection and transmission.

Prevention of other mosquito-borne diseases will also be discussed.

Last month, Maryland stepped up its efforts to combat mosquitoes that can carry Zika, West Nile and other viruses.

Some tips for mosquito control:

Once a week:

• Empty water and scrub containers, such as flowerpot saucers, watering cans, and buckets
• Empty water and scrub bird baths before refilling
• Empty water that collects in the folds of tarps used to cover woodpiles, boats, pools, etc.
• Position corrugated drainpipes to ensure drainage (also see "once a month" recommendations below)

Once a month:

• Apply a larvicide (an insecticide applied to water to kill mosquito larvae), such as Mosquito Dunks®, to standing water that cannot be emptied or drained.

As necessary:

• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Clean leaves and debris from roof gutters.
• Recycle old tires
• Be sure water on property flows freely from drainage areas
• Fill-in puddles or areas of your yard that remain wet and soggy for more than a week
• Aerate ornamental ponds or stock the pond with fish
• Apply a barrier spray to vegetation around your home. Products containing the active ingredient permethrin will provide two to three weeks of relief from biting adult mosquitoes. Always follow label instructions.
• Applying Pesticides Correctly

Photo: Patch file