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West Nile Virus

		Overview Dealing With West Nile Virus Erie County Health Department Recommendations Who to Call in Erie County Mosquito Control Additional Resources

West Nile Virus Overview

Birds infected with the West Nile virus have been found this summer throughout New York State, including Western New York. The reports have generated considerable public concern with the prime questions centering on the disease, it's origins and what can be done to manage it properly.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). West Nile virus is spread to humans and some animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact.

Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred before in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, parts of Europe and Australia. Last year, the virus migrated to North America and settled in the metropolitan New York area of the eastern United States.

History teaches us that mosquito-related sickness has plagued humans throughout time. The lessons of the past reveal how vector control efforts greatly reduced such mosquito-borne illnesses as yellow fever, malaria, and encephalitis viruses. Today, we stand a far better chance to challenge these situations with appropriate control and monitoring programs that address all aspects of health and environmental stability. Reports of West Nile virus should not trigger panic but ought to instead foster a response that addresses sound and lasting preventative approaches.

This update to our website is provided to offer only a glimpse of the total perspective of the West Nile virus issue. There are many factors to consider as we come to grips with this new threat. We hope that this information will give you the pathway to a serious and logical understanding of the matter and how you can best cope with its challenges.

Dealing With West Nile Virus

Erie County health officials say those at the highest risk of infection - the elderly and people with weakened immune systems - should take extra precautions to avoid West Nile virus:

• Minimize time outside between dusk and dawn where the virus has been found.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by getting rid of areas of standing water. Ideas include:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and water containers.
• Remove old tires on your property.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of outdoor recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Clear roof gutters.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change or drain the water in birdbaths.
• Clear vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water.
• Screen all windows and doors.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors.
• Watch for dead birds, and report them to the Erie County Health Department.

Who to Call in Erie County

Mosquito Control

Prevent Mosquito Breeding

• Dump out standing water from containers in the yard, including recycling bins with bottle caps and cans, tires, boats and tarps.
• Clean debris from rain gutters early in spring and check them regularly. If you are unable to clean them, ask your landscaper or pest control technician. A huge number of mosquitoes can result from clogged gutters.
• Clean, filter and treat pools. Empty children's pools and turn them over when not in use. Keep pool covers clean by propping them up to drain water.
• Encourage natural enemies. For example, stock ornamental ponds with goldfish. Mosquitofish (a type of minnow, also known as Gambusia) devour mosquito larvae. Dragonflies and damselflies are mosquito predators.
• Construct goldfish ponds properly. Large goldfish are unable to reach sloping edges of ponds where mosquitoes breed, so be sure your pond has vertical sides. A pond fountain will also reduce mosquito breeding.
• Change the water in birdbaths and fountains twice a week.

Stay Informed

• Remember that electric insect "zappers" do not help to prevent mosquito problems. These devices generally kill more beneficial insects than pests.
• Recognize that light traps and carbon dioxide traps used by mosquito control programs are for monitoring purposes and cannot be used to reduce mosquito numbers.

Additional Resources

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This page last updated on May 31, 2005

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