PREPARE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS SEASON
Montgomery County Health Department urges residents to prepare
for West Nile Virus season - The West Nile Virus (WNV)
season has begun and the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) recommends that residents take precautions to
clear away mosquito breeding areas around their homes. WNV, which surfaced in the U.S. ten years ago, is commonly
transmitted back and forth between infected birds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of
the disease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.With the onset of warmer weather and peak WNV season
approaching, MCHD is reminding residents that they can help prevent the spread of WNV by eliminating standing water
from their property.
West Nile virus
remains an unpredictable disease, and we won't be able to tell how severe a problem it will be this year. By
taking steps now, residents can help to reduce mosquito populations. Eliminating standing water has proven effective
in controlling WNV.
MCHD also encourages residents to mosquito-proof their homes by replacing
torn screens in doors and windows; cleaning out gutters; and by emptying and turning over containers that could
collect water allowing mosquitoes to breed. Standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Anything
that can hold water for four days can breed 1000's of mosquitoes.
MCHD will soon begin routine larviciding of public properties throughout
the summer months. If WNV activity poses a risk to human health, adulticiding or spraying may be necessary in
targeted areas.
Residents who would like to be notified of when spraying will occur
should sign up for the ReadyNotify service at https://montco.alertpa.org.
Residents must register for "Health Alerts" to get notifications from the Health Department about WNV sprays and
other emergent and non-emergent issues. Other information about WNV, including products used can be found at the
Health Department website, http://health.montcopa.org.
Reduce Exposure to
Mosquitoes
• Check and repair windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes from
entering your home.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your
property.
• Survey your property and dispose of containers that can collect
standing water such as: old tires, cans, bottles, buckets, toys.
•After it rains empty any plant containers, bird baths,
flowerpots, kiddie pools and pool covers to keep water from collecting in these items.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of
standing water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot
tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Drill several holes in the bottom of recycling buckets so water
can drain from them. Trash containers should be covered so no rain can accumulate in them.
• Use an approved mosquito repellant when outdoors in areas where
mosquitoes are active. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. FOLLOW THE LABEL DIRECTIONS
CAREFULLY. Do NOT apply to face.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO APPLY REPELLENTS.
Parents should avoid applying repellents to the hands of children
• Repellents should NOT be applied to very young children (less
then 3 years old).
• Avoid mosquito-breeding areas during peak periods of mosquito
activity.
•Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, making sure to cover
feet and ankles.
• Discuss any concerns with your private physician.
MONTGOMERY
C
OUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
1430 DeKalb Street, PO Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Phone: 610-278-5117 Fax:
610-278-5167
TDD: 610-631-1211
www.health.montcopa.org
EASTERN COURT HOUSE
ANNEX
102 York Road, Suite
401
Willow
Grove, PA 19090
Phone: (215) 784-5415 Fax: (215)
784-5524
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