Tag: West Nile Virus
Posted on October 12, 2012 with No Comments
University of Notre Dame entomologists are part of a team of researchers that recently discovered a potentially dangerous new malaria-transmitting mosquito. The as yet unnamed, and previously unreported, mosquito breeds in the western areas of Kenya and has an unknown DNA match to any of the existing malaria-transmitting species.
The Anopheles species of mosquitoes which transmits malaria in Africa is already widely studied by researchers. It prefers to rest indoors during the day and feed on humans during the night. Current malaria control programs, including spraying of insecticides and using insecticide-treated bed nets, are designed with these behaviors in mind.
Although the new species has never been implicated in the transmission of malaria, new discoveries in its biting habits pose a threat because it was found to be active outdoors and prefers to bite people earlier in the evening, soon after sunset, when people are not protected by current malaria control techniques.
Read more here.
Posted on September 13, 2012 with No Comments
The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has reorganized its resources on controlling mosquitoes and preventing bites, the agency announced.
Though the summer is winding down, the EPA advises the public that mosquitoes can still present a serious risk to public health. The new resource directory includes prevention methods such as removal of standing water, tips to prevent bites and information about pesticides commonly used in mosquito control programs.
“The agency understands that Americans are concerns about recent increases in mosquito-borne diseases across the United States, especially the West Nile virus, and is committed to helping people understand how they can be more vigilant in protecting themselves from risks posed by mosquitoes,” the EPA said in a statement.
The directory can be accessed here.
Posted on September 6, 2012 with No Comments
Since 1999, 31 Westchester residents have been confirmed to have had West Nile virus and one death was reported in Westchester. Of the 31 confirmed cases, 27 of the residents were 50 years or older. And with the exception of one, all Westchester residents who had West Nile virus lived in southern Westchester.
So far this year 22 positive mosquito batches were identified in Westchester. Starting in July, batches were found in Rye, Mamaroneck, Rye Brook and Yonkers, with the first and most frequent number of cases in Mamaroneck. One death in Nassau County has been attributed to the virus in New York this year.
Legislators are taking steps to prevent the virus from getting out of control. Prevention is the central theme in the fight against the virus, and Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) is introducing new legislation requiring all Westchester County storm water basins to receive mosquito larvicide treatments based on the previous winter’s weather pattern.
From June 21st thru July 19th, 2012 there were 17 positive reported cases of mosquito batches reported in Mamaroneck, Rye, Yonkers and Rye Brooke alone.
Posted on September 5, 2012 with No Comments
Don’t panic, experts say as reports of outbreak spread nationwide.
New Jersey is among the 38 states where the mosquito-transmitted illness has surfaced. Eight cases have been recorded in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Affiliated with Rutgers’ New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the center focuses on insects that affect both public health and the state’s economy. Rutgers Today spoke with center Director Randy Gaugler; Dina Fonseca, associate professor of entomology; Scott Crans, senior program coordinator; and Lisa Reed, field researcher, for an overview of the impact of the West Nile virus, particularly as it affects Garden State residents.
Rutgers Today: What steps can New Jersey residents take to minimize the risk of contracting the disease?
Center: There are several things people can do to reduce the risk of getting bitten. These are called the five Ds: Use Deet (read the instructions and see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm); Dress with long sleeves and pants; avoid Dusk and Dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; and Drain water from around your house, including spots such as pots, gutters, bird baths and other containers.
Read more: Rutgers
Posted on September 4, 2012 with 1 Comment
For only the third time in a decade, New York City sprayed pesticides to prevent West Nile virus in Manhattan. Crews spent the early hours Friday spraying the pesticides from West 58th Street to West 97th Street between West End Avenue and Central Park. Trucks were out most of the morning, targeting the surging mosquito population on the Upper West Side and in the park.
The Department of Health says the threat posed by the West Nile virus far exceeds any risks from pesticide exposure. So far this year, 11 city residents have tested positive for the potentially fatal disease. “We did find elevated virus and counts of mosquitos in this area, so we’re treating it,” said Mario Merlino, of the health department.
Spraying in the other four boroughs is common, but rare in Manhattan. The only other treatments happened in Washington Heights in 2003 and 2007, according to city records.
At least 13 human cases of West Nile virus infection have been detected in New York so far this year, including the deaths of two older people in Onondaga and Nassau counties.
The spraying wrapped up around 6 a.m.
Posted on August 27, 2012 with No Comments
In case you missed it, we are sharing this information from the National Pest Management Association to all those in the Pest Management Industry.
WEST NILE VIRUS: WHAT PMPs NEED TO KNOW
Wednesday, September 5
1:00 p.m. ET
Presented by Dr. Joe Conlon, Technical Director, American Mosquito Control Association
REGISTER TODAY
2012 is shaping up to be one of the worst years for West Nile Virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,100 illnesses have already been reported, with more than 40 deaths. In an average year, fewer than 300 cases are reported by mid-August.
Pest management professionals from around the country are fielding questions from clients about West Nile Virus and the mosquitoes that transmit it. In this timely webinar, you will learn about West Nile Virus, its disease cycle, the mosquitoes carrying the pathogen, and what to tell your customers about this important arbovirus.
Posted on August 23, 2012 with No Comments
The nation is heading toward the worst outbreak of West Nile disease in the 13 years that the virus has been on this continent, federal health authorities said Wednesday.
It is still unclear where and how far cases will spread. Dallas declared an emergency last week, and West Nile deaths have been concentrated in Texas and a few nearby states, including Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma, as well as South Dakota.
In 2012, there have been 1,118 cases and 41 deaths reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Lyle R. Petersen, director of the agency’s division of vector-borne diseases, said Wednesday in a telephone news conference.
With West Nile Virus, it takes three days to two weeks after a mosquito bite for symptoms to start. There is no vaccine, and no drug that specifically targets the virus, so health authorities advise people to avoid getting bitten.
Posted on August 14, 2012 with No Comments
National Pest Management Association and the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Urge Public Vigilance as West Nile Virus Disease Cases Increase.
Fairfax, Va. (August 2, 2012) – Mosquito season is in full swing and with it the increased threat of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. As of July 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 241 cases of WNV disease and four deaths have been reported. This is the highest number of cases reported through the end of July since 2004. These figures grow daily as more reports are confirmed. Government health officials and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) experts are warning that this mosquito season may pose a severe public health threat. In fact, Texas health officials have said that WNV cases in the state are at epidemic levels.
“The CDC is closely monitoring West Nile virus reports from around the country” said Roger Nasci, Chief of CDC’s Arboviral Diseases Branch. “Compared to this time last year, the number of reported human cases is much higher. People spending time outdoors, particularly in areas of the country where WNV activity is increasing, should take precautionary measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
”In addition to protecting oneself, NPMA is asking the public to help by limiting the number of mosquito breeding grounds around their homes. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as half an inch of water, so it’s important to take stock of any items that may collect water after a rainfall such as flowerpots, children’s pools and toys, grill covers, and others,” advised Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA.
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. “In most cases West Nile virus is a mild infection with symptoms so slight they can go unnoticed, or feel like a summer flu,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, medical spokesperson for the NPMA. “In extreme cases, it can be a potentially life threatening infection with higher fever, head and body aches, worsening weakness, confusion and even coma. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Source: NPMA
Posted on July 23, 2012 with No Comments
Although your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are small, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. Reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Dispose of used tires, which are a significant mosquito-breeding site. Call your local landfill or Department of Public Works to find out how to dispose of used tires properly.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of outdoor recycling bins so they can drain freely.
- Clean clogged roof gutters and make sure they drain properly.
- Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
- Drain temporary pools of water or fill with dirt.
- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
- Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, hot tubs and other water features, such as fountains and garden ponds.
- Drain water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
Posted on July 11, 2012 with No Comments
Mosquitoes are buzzing once again, and with that comes the threat of West Nile virus which often results in flu-like symptoms that aren’t life-threatening, and some in cases, infected people show no symptoms at all. But a significant percentage of patients develop serious neurological disease.
Tom Hobman, a researcher with the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, is making every effort to put an end to this potentially serious infection.
“Once we understand how West Nile virus affects the pathways that control the tight junctions of the blood-brain barrier, it may be possible to design drugs that prevent infection of the brain. I expect this will also be the case for related viruses that infect the central nervous system.”
