NEWS

For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Ron Twillman, Vector Control and Veterinary Services, 314-615-8351
Pager 314-430-6132

Michael Williams, Ph D., Communicable Disease Control, 314- 615-1630
Pager 314-430-5885

Mosquitoes in Saint Louis County Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Saint Louis County, Missouri, August 14, 2003 - Saint Louis County Department of Health (DOH) has received confirmation from the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that samples of mosquitoes in St. Louis County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). Samples of mosquitoes tested at the St. Louis County DOH Environmental Health Laboratory have also tested positive.

Samples are collected throughout St. Louis County, including municipalities and unincorporated county areas. Nineteen (19) positive mosquito pools were located in central North and West County, with some occurring in South County. Health officials stress there is no reason for undue concern in any one area, but urge residents throughout the county to take precautions.

Public health officials expected to see confirmation of WNV in the area again this season. The Culex pipiens mosquito is the primary carrier of the West Nile Virus in the St. Louis metropolitan region. It feeds primarily on birds but occasionally feeds on humans and other mammals. Although birds and mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV, there have been no human cases of WNV in St. Louis County this season. The first human cases of WNV in St. Louis County occurred in August last year.

The best way to avoid being infected with West Nile Virus is to prevent exposure to mosquito bites. Health officials suggest these preventive measures:

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
  
• When outdoors wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors.
  
• 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.
  
• Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed around homes.
  
• Change the water in birdbaths weekly.
  

For more information on mosquito prevention, please call St. Louis County Vector Control at 314-727-3097 or log on to www.stlouisco.com.

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