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"Fight The Bite"

Mosquitoes and Monsoons

Posted by Josh on Wednesday July 21, 2010 6:50 pm

The following comes from the City of Tucson regarding the inevitable emergence of mosquitoes during our monsoon season:

RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES ROLES IN "FIGHT THE BITE" PREVENTION EFFORTS NEEDED THIS YEAR

Eleven human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed thus far in Arizona. One person in Maricopa County has died from the disease.

There are no human cases of West Nile virus within Pima County at this time; however, one chicken has tested positive. While no mosquito specimens have tested positive for the virus, trapping and collecting are at about half of the rate of previous years.

"Our frequency of mosquito trapping is down. It's likely that West Nile virus is already established in our community and will increase as the monsoon progresses," said Dr. Michelle McDonald, Chief Medical Officer, Pima County Health Dept. "Now is the time for residents to protect themselves and others."

"Budget challenges, fewer resources and personnel mean that governments, organizations and residents will be relying on each other more in this year's 'Fight The Bite' effort," said Michael Carson, City Public Information Coordinator.

Residents and businesses should exercise prevention and decrease mosquito breeding sites:

Use repellents when outside (DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, orPicaridin or IR 3535).

Look for and remove standing water from objects around a home or business.

Keep screens and windows in good repair.

Report water that has been standing for three or four days and abandoned or green swimming pools to the Health Department’s West Nile virus Information Line by calling 243-7999.

Report neglected properties, unsecured pools, and excessive trash within city limits at 791-5843.

Web resources:
- Pima County Health Department: www.pimahealth.org/disease/westnile.html
- State of Arizona Department of Health Services: http://azdhs.gov/phs/oids/westnile

Log onto www.pimahealth.org or sign up to receive immediate public health alerts via Twitter. Register for emergency messages and other vital public safety information at www.myalerts.mystateusa.com.

"Fight The Bite" partners include Pima County, City of Tucson, City of South Tucson, Town of Marana, Town of Oro Valley, Town of Sahuarita, Tohono O'odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, The University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and Tucson Unified School District.