More West Nile samples found in Maricopa and Stanfield; fogging to occur Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

According to Pinal County Environmental Health officials, four additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Those samples were collected in the Coolidge, Maricopa, Queen Creek and Stanfield areas. So far this year, a total of 11 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito.

As a result of the recent positive mosquito samples, the County will fog the areas where the infected mosquitoes were collected. Weather permitted, PCDEH will be conducting the fogging on Monday, July 25, Tuesday, July 26, and Wednesday, July 27, from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. The areas to be fogged each night are as follows:

Maricopa: Mobile Road to the north, Green Road to the west, Bowlin Road to the south and John Wayne Parkway to the east.

Stanfield: Talla Drive to the north, Stanfield Road to the west, Highway 84 to the south and Hopi Way to the east.

Health officials want to remind people that preventing mosquito bites is the key to avoiding getting WNV. Although there have been no reported cases of WNV in humans, horses or birds in Pinal County so far this year, mosquitoes are expected to remain active throughout the warmer months. You can take these simple preventative measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and apply an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. Always follow the directions on the label.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
• Make sure tents are effectively screened and cabin door and window screens are in place and regularly maintained to keep mosquitoes from entering.
• Drain all standing water on private property. This includes buckets, tires, cans, jars, bottles, and other containers that can hold water.
• Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.
• Remember to follow these preventative measures at home, work, or during outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Gambusia, also called mosquito fish are another way to help control mosquitoes in ponds and water troughs because they eat mosquito larvae. Pinal County Environmental Health will be conducting a Gambusia Giveaway on July 22, 2005 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Pinal County Fairgrounds. Free Gambusia will be available for the public to use to help control mosquitoes.

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like an update and advice on WNV, please call (866) 287-0209 ext. 6200 or visit the WNV web page. The Pinal County Public Health hotline number is (866) 763-7252.