Second Postive WNV Mosquito Found In Pinal Co.

The Pinal County Division of Environmental Health (PCDEH) announced that a mosquito sample collected on July 19th in the area of the City of Maricopa has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the 2nd mosquito sample collected in western Pinal County to test positive for WNV in recent days. No human cases have been reported.

"What this means is our surveillance has confirmed that we now have WNV circulating among birds & mosquitoes in this particular area of the county," said Reg Glos, Director of Environmental Health. "It's important that everyone take some simple precautionary measures to prevent WNV and protect themselves & their families from the disease."

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans & animals through the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on infected birds. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people & horses, although not everyone that is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected. However, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness.

The best way to protect against mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home & neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as: Avoid outside activity between dusk & dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs & use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens & remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them. Drain all standing water where mosquitoes can breed. This includes buckets, tires, cans, jars, bottles, & other containers that can hold water. Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths & pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

In response to the latest West Nile Virus positive mosquito sample, the Pinal County Division of Environmental Health will be conducting adult mosquito fogging in & around the City of Maricopa, starting tonight thru Wednesday July 26th, from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. The area to be fogged encompasses Green Rd. to the west, Mobile Rd. to the north, John Wayne Parkway to the east & Bowlin Rd. to the south.

The pesticide that will be used during spraying is called Anvil 2+2. It is a pre-mixed, ready to use product that contains 2 active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) & piperonyl butoxide (2%) Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide helps Sumithrin work better against mosquitoes. Anvil 2+2 is registered with the U.S. EPA & is effective against mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during spraying:
* Close all windows & doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Vents can be opened 30 minutes after spraying is done.
* Turn off Evaporative coolers until at least 30 minutes after spraying
* Stay inside your home
* Bring pets in side and wait for at least 30 minutes to let them back outside.
* Bring children's toys, pet bowls, & clothes inside. (Note: out door equipment & toys that are exposed to pesticide can be washed with soap & water.)
* Do not allow children to play in areas that have just been sprayed for at least 30 minutes. For extra safety, don't let children play on the grass until it is dry to touch.
* If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden wash fruits & vegetables before eating

The County has a mosquito hotline & a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention & control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit WNV Info. For more information or questions concerning the health effects of WNV, please call the Pinal County Public Health Information Hotline at 866-763-7252.