From the Email InBox
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2005
PHD# 05-53

Contact:
ERIC FRYKMAN, MD, MPH JIM FELTEN
County Health Officer OR Public Health Director
(909) 387-6218 (909) 387-9146




WEST NILE VIRUS IN HESPERIA

The first West Nile Virus (WNV) - positive dead bird for 2005 has been found in the high desert just south of the City of Hesperia. The bird, a Western Scrub-Jay, was collected on August 3rd, and confirmed with WNV by the UC Davis Laboratory. The bird was collected along Highway 173 just south of Hesperia City limits close to the Silverwood Lake area. In 2004, this area recorded several WNV-positive dead birds, mosquito pools and 2 horses.

A total of 37 birds in the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County Vector Control Program have tested positive to WNV in 2005. The majority of the birds have been crows. These birds are distributed in the cities of Yucaipa (22), Redlands (8), Upland (3), Colton (1), Grand Terrace (1), Hesperia (1) and Fontana (1). These results demonstrate that WNV transmission is ongoing and the public needs to be vigilant by reporting mosquito breeding sites to vector control and using personal protection against mosquito bites.Eric Frykman, County Health Officer stated, "The vector control agencies within the county are working diligently to reduce mosquito population and has increased surveillance with quick turn-around of positive results. Public education, active vector control operations and surveillance activities are being ramped-up throughout the coming months."

Vector Control staff are canvassing the area distributing WNV pamphlets and looking for additional mosquito breeding sources. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, residents are encouraged to look for and eliminate any standing or stagnant water on their properties.

Property owners with pools are encouraged to keep them clean. Green or dirty pools impact entire neighborhoods, and mosquitoes breeding in such pools fly over property lines to bite people several blocks away. Please report green pools and other sources of mosquito breeding to San Bernardino County Vector Control Program at (800) 44-ABATE or (909) 388-4600.

San Bernardino County citizens can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking these precautions:
* Drain or Dump Remove all standing water around your property where mosquitoes lay eggs such as birdbaths, green swimming pools, ponds, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters, or even puddles from leaky sprinklers.
* Dawn and Dusk Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
* Dress Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colore
* DEET Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to manufacturer's directions.
* Doors Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering home.

Since horses are susceptible to WNV and a vaccine is available for horses, horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians about timely vaccinations.

The Department of Public Health encourages the public to participate in the WNV surveillance program by reporting birds that have been dead for less than 48 hours to the State West Nile Virus toll-free hotline at (877) WNV- BIRD or on-line at WWW.WNV.CA.GOV.

If you are in the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Montclair or Rancho Cucamonga call 909 627-0931 for West Valley Vector Control District. For more information about WNV or to report dead birds, visit our website at www.sbcounty.gov/dehs/vectorcontrol.


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The Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) is looking for new committee volunteers. The Grand Terrace EOC is the city's volunteer emergency response organization. The EOC meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the EOC building behind the Building and Safety offices. For more information, please contact Community Services at 430-2201.


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The Halloween Haunt committee is planning the 2005 Halloween Haunt to be held on October 31st from 5p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pico Park. This child-safe event is held each year with the help of volunteers and sponsors to keep kids off our streets during that busy night. If you are interested in donating candy, volunteer time, or having a booth, please contact Community Services at 430-2201.