News Release: West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Saint Louis County

For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2002

Contact:
Michael Williams, Communicable Disease Control, 314-430-5885
Joan Bradford, Vector Control, 314-220-9441

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Saint Louis County

Saint Louis County, Missouri, July 27, 2002 - Saint Louis County Department of Health received confirmation on July 27, 2002 from the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that mosquitoes collected in University City, Hillsdale and Wellston tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

This is the first time the virus has been identified in the mosquito population in the County. The mosquito species (Culex pipiens) which feeds primarily on birds but occasionally feeds on humans and other mammals is the primary carrier of the West Nile Virus.

Saint Louis County Department of Health urges residents to take these simple precautions. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, the most active feeding times for mosquitoes and use insect repellent containing DEET (read and follow product instructions).

In addition, homeowners are asked to inform the health department of any storm sewer inlets in their backyards that are not currently being treated. After gaining permission to enter yards, health department staff will determine if storm sewers are holding water and treat them with biological control agents.

What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors whenever you are outdoors.
  
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
  
• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-tolumide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection.
  
• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
  
• Whenever you use an insecticide or inspect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.

To report the location of dead crows, blue jays or hawks, please log on to www.scchealth.org or call Saint Louis County's Communicable Disease Control office at 314-615-1630 and leave a voice message. If necessary, calls will be returned during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Dispose of dead birds by double bagging and placing in trash. For more information on mosquito prevention, please call St. Louis County Vector Control at 314-727-3097 or log on to www.stlouisco.com.

[GO BACK]