From the Harford County Health Department:
Bel Air, MD – August 26, 2013 – On August 23, 2013 the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (MD DHMH) reported its first confirmed the first three cases of symptomatic West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2013. The Harford County Health Department recommends taking measures to prevent infection and reduce risk.
West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms that may last a few days or as long as several weeks.
Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness with symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and effects on the nervous system may be permanent.
Although most people are at low risk for disease, people 50 years of age and older have the highest risk of developing severe illness if infected. Also, people who spend a lot of time outdoors have a greater risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“Prevention is key and there are actions individuals can take to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection,” states Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly. “In addition to personal protection, prevention requires attention to your surroundings.” She encourages the public to “help reduce the number of mosquitoes in outdoor areas where they work or play by draining any sources of standing water, even small ones, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.” Specifically, she recommends:
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, cans, or from any other place where you find standing water.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out if necessary.
• Look for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Aerate ornamental pools and water gardens or stock with fish and use a circulating filter system
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
“Just as importantly,” continues Ms. Kelly, “there are measures people can take to effectively protect themselves from mosquito bites. These include avoiding areas of high mosquito activity as well as avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when concerned about mosquito exposure and use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions. Also be sure to place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.”
In Maryland, West Nile Virus first appeared in 1999 in a crow in Baltimore City. The first human West Nile cases were reported in 2001 and since that time WNV activity has been found in humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and/or other mammals throughout all jurisdictions, reaching a peak of 73 human cases and over 230 infected horses in 2003. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene collaborates with the Maryland Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and with the US Department of Defense to monitor WNV and other arboviruses in humans, mosquitoes, and wildlife throughout the state.
For more information on the West Nile Virus virus, visit Harford County Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com, contact the Health Department at 410-612-1781, visit the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene at http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/CZVBD/SitePages/west-nile.aspx, or the National Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
I called the health dept because my neighbors pool is green and filled with mosquitos. I cant even go in my backyard because the mosquitos eat me alive. The Health Dept wont do a damn thing about it.
They aren’t pool inspectors. What is it you wanted them to do, specifically?
Most people winterize their pools now.
Call the Department of Public Works, Property Standards section. They should be able to help you or refer you to someone who can.