West Nile Virus, Aerial Application Notification Update

San Diego County Vector Control program will conduct aerial applications of mosquito larvicide at various wetlands throughout the county next Tuesday September 28, 2010 in the North County and Wednesday September 29, 2010 in the South and Central County.

The County of San Diego Vector Control Program contractor applies mosquito larvicide by helicopter to wetlands in an effort to reduce mosquito population and the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV). Female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at a time in the still water found in wetlands. These eggs hatch into larvae which feed on organic material. Larvicides are made from bacteria that are specific to mosquito larvae and will not harm other wildlife. This results in the efficient elimination of larvae before they can develop into biting adults which can spread diseases such as WNV.

This will be the eighth aerial drop of mosquito larvicide for the 2010 mosquito breeding season. Additional application will be conducted at three week intervals or as needed. Mosquito populations are monitored and tested for the presence of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases throughout the county during the mosquito season.

Controlling mosquito abundance is essential in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.  West Nile Virus is a mosquito transmitted disease that has its peak occurrence during the warm summer months.  The symptoms of WNV include: headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. About one in 150 people infected with WNV develop more severe symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or myelitis.

If you think you have symptoms consistent with WNV, contact your healthcare provider. Remember: the best protection against this virus is to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.

For more information on the application locations or the material used please view the San Diego County West Nile Virus Home page.

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