Second West Nile Virus positive mosquito; fogging begins in Maricopa today

The Pinal County Division of Environmental Health (PCDEH) announced today that a mosquito sample collected on July 19 in the area of the City of Maricopa has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second mosquito sample collected in western Pinal County to test positive for WNV in recent days. No human cases have been reported.

“What this means is our surveillance has confirmed that we now have WNV circulating among birds and mosquitoes in this particular area of the county,” said Reg Glos, Director of Environmental Health. “It’s important that everyone take some simple precautionary measures to prevent WNV and protect themselves and their families from the disease.”

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on infected birds. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected; however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness.

The best way to protect against mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 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.

Drain all standing water where mosquitoes can breed. 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.

In response to the latest West Nile Virus positive mosquito sample, the Pinal County Division of Environmental Health will be conducting adult mosquito fogging in and around the City of Maricopa, starting Monday, July 24th, through Wednesday, July 26th, from 1 to 5 a.m. The area to be fogged encompasses Green Road to the west, Mobile Road to the north, John Wayne Parkway to the east and Bowlin Road to the south.

The pesticide that will be used during spraying is called Anvil 2+2. It is a pre-mixed, ready to use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%) Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide helps Sumithrin work better against mosquitoes. Anvil 2+2 is registered with the U.S. EPA and is effective against mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during spraying:

1. Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Vents can be opened 30 minutes after spraying is done.

2. Turn off evaporative coolers until at least 30 minutes after spraying.

3. Stay inside your home.

4. Bring pets inside and wait for at least 30 minutes to let them back outside.

5. Bring children’s toys, pet bowls, and clothes inside. (Note: outdoor equipment and toys that are exposed to pesticide can be washed with soap and water.)

6. Do not allow children to play in areas that have just been sprayed for at least 30 minutes. For extra safety, don’t let children play on the grass until it is dry to touch.

7. If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, wash fruits and vegetables before eating

The County has a mosquito hotline and a web page. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: (866) 287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the WNV web page.

For information or questions concerning the health effects of WNV, please call the Pinal County Public Health Information Hotline: (866) 763-7252.