Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) reports additional West Nile Virus (WNV) detections in mosquito populations. Specimens tested on August 31st detected WNV in Arnold mosquito populations.
JCHD Vector Division cooperates with the City of Arnold to implement control measures. On the evening of September 3rd, JCHD began spraying adulticide treatment in an unincorporated area that closely borders Arnold city limits, while the City of Arnold will handle control measures within city limits. JCHD’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the county for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.
“Since we have seen West Nile Virus detected in several areas across the county, we want residents to know the importance of protective measures,” states JCHD Interim Executive Director Steve Sikes.
The health department encourages residents throughout the county to be diligent in protecting themselves and their loved ones when they are outdoors. Protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be as simple as:
Use insect repellents that contain 20% - 50% DEET or Picaridin
Wearing light-colored clothes
Covering exposed skin
In addition to personal protection, residents can protect their homes and property by removing standing water sources such as waste tires, cans, buckets, flowerpot sills, or other containers holding water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in.