August 16, 2007

AVCA August meeting focuses on West Nile virus

By Ashley Rodriguez
Times Intern

Kriss Costa discussed West Nile virus at the Almaden Valley Community Association’s Monday Aug. 13 meeting at the Camden Community Center and advised attendees about what they can do to protect themselves.

Costa, who works for the Santa Clara County Vector Control, explained what residents need to know about the West Nile virus so that they won’t be complacent nor panic about the issue.

While most are aware that mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, few know that the time from bite to sickness is from three to 14 days. Only 20 percent of people will get sick, but it can take up to four weeks for human cases to show up, so people tend to blow off the symptoms.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. The first warning sign is a red rash on the trunk of the body, which then progress to include headache, body aches and swollen glands. Severe cases can result in meningitis, swelling in the brain and spinal cord, paralysis and even comas.

West Nile virus does not discriminate and everyone is at risk. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-existing medical problems and those over 50 years old are most at risk.

West Nile virus spread from the East Coast to West Coast in just three years and should have everyone’s attention. California has been doing mosquito abatements for years, and Santa Clara County is working hard to keep the problem under control. In 2006, the number of West Nile cases and fatalities dropped drastically from prior years, but the numbers for 2007 are not looking good. Currently, there have been 86 human cases, which is three times more than last year. Five people have already died.

The county’s Vector Control is taking on the mosquito problem from many angles. It is always looking for places where mosquitoes grow and constantly testing dead birds and mosquitoes for the virus. They have and are continuing to take aerial photos to locate dirty water sources. Santa Clara County has also done four mosquito foggings at night, most recently in the Blossom Hill Area.

The mosquito problem cannot be solved without help from the public. Backyard sources such as swimming pools, ponds, gutters and standing water are the number-one problem. Partially filled swimming pools and ponds with no filters or water movement can house thousands of mosquitoes. Birdbaths and fountains without filters should have their water changed once a week.

People can do their part by reporting possible sources that could house mosquitoes. If you think there is a potential source or notice more mosquitoes than usual, call the Vector Control hotline at 800-314-2427. The county department also asks for people to help by reporting dead birds at 877–WNV-BIRD (986-2473). The birds must be free of ants, have their body intact and must not have been hit or run over by a car. Birds that are eligible for testing are crows, ravens, hawks, jays and magpies.

Homeowners with swimming pools that are unused and unwanted are asked to call Vector Control for information on getting free mosquito fish to be placed in their pools.

The biggest precaution people can take is to wear insect repellant. Vector Control recommends using it as routinely as sunscreen. It also recommends that people limit activities at dusk and dawn, have tight fitting door and window screens and wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors at prime mosquito times.

For more information on West Nile virus and what you can do to protect your family, call (408) 918-4770 or go to www.sccvector.org.