On September 20th mosquitoes collected by Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD), detected West Nile Virus in a mosquito population within Imperial, MO. This is the second positive West Nile detected this season.
The Vector Division has notified Jefferson County Administration and JCHD began implementing control measures in the affected areas of concern on the evening of September 20. JCHD’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the area for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.
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 using insect repellents that contain 20% - 50% DEET or Picaridin, wearing light colored clothes, and covering exposed skin. In addition to personal protection, residents can protect their homes and property by remove standing water sources such as waste tires, cans, buckets, flowerpot sills, or other containers that can hold water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in.
For more information about the JCHD Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program, please visit the health department at www.jeffcohealth.org.