West Nile Virus and Mosquito Awareness Week

California’s State Assembly recently declared April 19-25, 2015 as “West Nile Virus and Mosquito & Vector Control Awareness Week” to help increase the fight against mosquitoes, which can transmit viruses to humans, including West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue fever.

Pasadena residents are urged to do everything they can to help prevent those pesky mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating all standing water sources left outside; keeping swimming pools clean, and regularly checking for mosquito larvae in still water sources such as bird baths and ponds.

“Current drought and warm weather conditions may contribute to more stagnant water sources and higher numbers of mosquitoes, which increases the risk of West Nile Virus infection,” Pasadena Public Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh said. “Take precautions now to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to avoid being bitten.”

In 2015, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Pasadena and in California. However, drought conditions can increase virus activity because standing water stagnates easier and a reduced number of small pockets of water create an even more attractive environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

For vector control information and to report a green pool or still water source, call the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) Environmental Health Division at (626) 744-6004. Online information is at http://westnile.ca.gov/. For those who finds a dead bird on their property, please report it to the California West Nile Virus website at http://westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php.

PPHD proactively monitors potential mosquito breeding sources throughout the City. Staff travel weekly to treat gutters, puddles, pools and other free-standing water sources water that serve as prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, PPHD works with the Pasadena Police Department’s aerial units to identify green pools. Citations will be issued to homeowners who allow the breeding of mosquitos.

The PPHD also recommends protecting themselves by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Preventive measures include wearing repellants containing DEET, avoiding areas likely to be inhabited by mosquitoes at dawn and dusk, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and checking your window screen for holes.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit the City of Pasadena online at  www.cityofpasadena.net; follow the city on Twitter @PasadenaGov, www.twitter.com/pasadenagov, and like the City on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofpasadena. Or call the Citizen Service Center, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (626) 744-7311.