Prevent Mosquitoes From Ruining Labor Day Fun

Backyard barbecues are a time-honored tradition on Labor Day Weekend, but this year public health officials are recommending that residents take exra measures to protect themselves against unwanted guests--mosquitoes. 

Responsible for the spread of West Nile virus in 47 states, including California, the tiny pests with a big bite have caused 41 deaths so far this year, according to the Center for Disease Control. It’s the highest number of WNV infections since it was first reported in the United States in 1999.

While most of the cases are in Texas, recent reports of infections in people have occured closer to home in Orange and Los Angeles counties, and at least one WNV-infected bird was found in Long Beach, according to public health officials.  

While most who become infected with WNV don’t even know it due to lack of symptoms, about 20 percent of people will develop West Nile fever, characterized by fever, headache, body aches, fatique, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and at times, a rash, according to the CDC.

Elderly, children and people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms, such as disorientation, tremors and coma. West Nile fever can persist for days or weeks and can be fatal.

Dr. Mitchell Kushner, Long Beach health officer, is warning the public that warm weather and outdoor get-togethers equals a higher risk of exposure to mosquitoes, which thrive in wet, warm conditions. WNV infections tend to flare up as summer gives way to fall.

Protect yourself against WNV this holiday weekend by minimizing your exposure to mosquitoes with these tips from Long Beach public health officials:

• Avoid mosquito-infested areas especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. 

• Mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Eliminate standing water on your property by dumping or draining water in neglected ponds, birdbaths, fountains, buckets, old tires or anything that can hold water. Dumping or draining water will interrupt the mosquito life cycle. 

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you plan to be outdoors at dawn or dusk. 

• Use mosquito repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Residents should follow instructions on the label. Consult with your child’s pediatrician for appropriate concentrations of DEET to be used on children under the age of 2. 

• Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and check to make sure your window screens are in good condition. 

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and drain water from pool covers. 
• Limit the watering of lawns and outdoor plants to twice a week to avoid run off to gutters and around sprinklers. 

• Report dead birds and dead tree squirrels to the California Department of Health Services by calling 1-877-WNV-Bird or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. 

For more information, call the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Vector Control Program at 562.570.4132 or visit them online and click on “West Nile Virus” or on Facebook.