Fight the Bite!
October 2008 | by Shirley King

Mosquito larvae. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Enlargement Click on the enlargement itself to zoom in.

As of September 21, San Diego County Vector Control confirms a total count of 18 human cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus including a third person in the Del Mar area. According to San Diego County authorities there is no human vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus and no specific treatment for the virus. Hospitalization is the frequent intervention. It’s advised that if you have symptoms of West Nile Virus such as fever, rashes or body aches, contact your doctor right away.

How to “Fight the Bite”

The best defense against West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites. The County suggests that you:

• Remove any standing water in neglected pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, drain pipes and retaining blocks
• Wear clothing that covers the skin when outdoors.
• Apply repellant containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to clothing and exposed skin. Use care when applying repellant on children and do not apply on children less than two years old.
• Try to stay indoors during dawn and dusk
• Apply screens to doors and windows
• Prevent mosquito breeding sources in your backyard and neighborhood by eliminating standing water
• Stock ornamental ponds and other standing water sources with mosquito fish