Mosquitoes Test Positive for WNV in Parts of St. Louis County

St. Louis County, MO –  (June 23, 2006) - The first mosquitoes to test positive for the West Nile Virus in St. Louis County have been discovered in Olivette, University City, Webster Groves and Richmond Heights, according to the County Health Department.

“There have been no reported human cases of WNV in St. Louis County this year, but positive mosquito tests are a reminder that preventative measures are important,” said Saint Louis County Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn.

 “Even though serious West Nile Virus cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure. We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply and protect ourselves by using repellants,” Gunn said.

Here are the steps residents can take to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to flourish:

• Standing water: don't stand for it! Every 2 or 3 days, drain water from garbage cans, buckets, toys, flowerpots, wading pools, pet dishes, and other objects that can collect water. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.
• Look for products containing the active ingredient methoprene or Bacicllus thuringiensis israelensis to place in birdbaths or ponds, to prevent mosquitoes from developing.
• Keep gutters cleaned out, and repair any tears in door and window screens.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors when outdoors, and minimize exposure between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET. Always follow manufacturer's directions.

The Health Department routinely collects mosquito samples to help determine where to focus control efforts.  To find out where the County's vector control crew will be spraying, call (314) 615-4-B-U-G for the nightly mosquito-spraying schedule.

For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at 314-727-3097 or log on to www.stlouisco.com/doh.