New Tools to Combat Mosquitoes and Prevent Disease -- 7.01.2014
Columbus Public Health – Press Release
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Contact: José Rodríguez (614) 604-5025
[email protected] Columbus Public Health using New Tools to Combat Mosquitoes and Prevent Disease
New Online Maps and more than 80 Permanent Trap Locations to Protect against West NileColumbus Public Health is employing new tactics this summer to combat mosquitos in order to prevent and control the West Nile virus.
Beginning this week, Columbus Public Health will launch three new GIS maps on its Web site at publichealth.columbus.org to provide information on spraying areas, locations where mosquitos test positive for disease, and the number of mosquitos trapped. Additionally, 81 permanent locations have been added throughout Columbus and Worthington to trap and test mosquitos for West Nile.
“In addition to what we’ve always done to protect health and improve lives, we have added more permanent trap locations than in previous years to determine West Nile trends so we can maximize and focus our efforts,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “Additionally, we have added new GIS maps to give residents the information they need to help protect themselves and their families.”
On July 2, Columbus Public Health also will begin weekly spraying of neighborhoods (see schedule below), parks and bike paths before July 4th celebrations get underway. Spraying areas will be determined by mosquito trap results, reports from field staff, the number and type of trapped mosquitoes, the number of infected mosquitoes, and evidence of human disease.
Mosquito control efforts have been underway since May when Columbus Public Health began treating rain barrels which can be a source of mosquito growth. Since that time, it also has treated 3,500 catch basins. Columbus Public Health began testing for the West Nile virus in June.
In addition to public health efforts, residents also can help prevent West Nile by getting rid of standing water in bird baths, gutters and other yard areas, and by reporting any areas of standing water to Columbus Public Health. Residents can also protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellant with DEET, staying indoors and wearing long sleeves and pants during early morning and late evening hours, monitoring and treating rain barrels regularly, and checking and repairing window screens.
West Nile Virus is an illness that is caused by infected mosquitoes that carry the disease from infected birds to people. While not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus, an infected mosquito can cause illness. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick, but people 50 or older or those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
Symptoms of West Nile virus are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands. People with these symptoms should consult their doctor.
To view the maps or for more information, visit Columbus Public Health at publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook/Twitter.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2• Franklin Park
• Nelson Park
• Big Walnut Park
• Johnson Park
• Driving Park
• Fairwood Park
• Helsel Park
• Anheuser Busch Park
• Antrim Park
• Woodward Park
• Innis Park
• Iuka Park
• Tuttle Park
• Cooper Park
• Maloney Park
• Mock Park
• Nafzger Park
• Portman Park
• Holton Park
• Rhodes Park
• Westgate Park
THURSDAY, JULY 3• Dodge Park
• Lou Berliner Park
• McCoy Park
• Goodale Park
• Krumm Park
• Deshler Park
• Linden Park
• Schiller Park
• Stockbridge Park
• Sills Park
• Stoneridge Park
• Big Run Park
• Marion-Franklin Park
• Lindberg Park
• McKinley Park
• Alum Crest Park
• Wolfe Park
• Delawanda Park
• Lincoln Park
• Lazelle Woods Park
• Downtown Columbus
• Westmoor Park