Combating West Nile Virus is a Concern for Government and Homeowners

  (ARA) - West Nile Virus is a growing threat that infected 4,156 Americans and caused 284 deaths last year alone. Local health officials are in a race to discover effective methods of containing the disease that flies on the wings of a tiny predator -- the common mosquito, Culex pipiens.

There is no cure for West Nile virus and currently there is no vaccine for humans. Health experts say prevention is the best response for now, beginning with control of the disease-carrying mosquitoes. Most strategies call for a combined approach, requiring both governments and individuals to do their part.

A Difficult Problem

The problem is a daunting one. Mass spraying of insecticides, a tactic employed in many communities during the height of mosquito season, destroys only adult mosquitoes. It does nothing to kill the millions of larvae waiting to hatch when conditions are right. Additionally, spraying can be harmful to non-target species such as butterflies, birds and, according to some experts, humans.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to develop better, more ecologically friendly ways to destroy mosquitoes where they breed.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, especially marshy wetlands. However, mosquitoes cannot breed in the moving water of lakes, streams, rivers, and spring-fed ponds, which often lie adjacent to these wetlands. In fact many species of fish and other wildlife that thrive in these environments actively eat mosquitoes and their larvae.

To give Mother Nature's mosquito-control efforts a boost, the Forest Service and many local governments are stocking lakes and ponds with species of fish known to be especially fond of mosquito larvae. Currently half of all mosquito abatement districts nationwide use fish to control the mosquito population.

Homeowners Can Help

Homeowners too can play a role. Mosquitoes can breed in a miniscule amount of stagnant water. Homeowners should inspect their yards for standing water that can become mosquito breeding grounds. Things to look for include old tires, kiddie pools and toys, birdbaths and even stopped up drains and gutters -- anywhere stagnant water may collect. Swimming pools should be vigilantly maintained and properly chlorinated.

Surprisingly, not all water in the backyard is a bad thing. Water gardening is an increasingly popular hobby in the United States and many people have installed decorative backyard ponds in their yards. Ed Beaulieu, an ecologist for Aquascape Designs Inc., the nation’s largest manufacturer of backyard pond kits, said, "Ecologically-balanced backyard ponds and water gardens have water that is constantly moving; this type of water discourages mosquito breeding. Also an ecologically-balanced backyard pond attracts frogs and other creatures that are natural predators of mosquitoes.”

Other Steps to Take

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta also advise the following preventative steps against West Nile Virus:

* Keep exposed skin covered and wear insect repellant in areas where mosquitoes are a problem

* Avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active

* Repair broken screens in doors and windows

* Empty all containers that may hold standing water

For more information on the prevention of the West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov . For information on backyard ponds and water gardens, visit www.aquascapedesigns.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content


About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

 ARA

More Articles 

The Benefits Of Government Grants - Paul Graham
Government grants are one of the best ways for you to pay your way through school. But what separates government grants from other types of grants? For starters, governments, unlike individual corporations or banks, usually have a wealth of funds...

Government Foreclosures Guide - Ernani Uchoa
You can buy a Government home for you to live in, or simply to rehab and sell for a fast profit. These foreclosures are offered to the general public through real estate agents that specialize in the sales of government homes. HUD and the...

Finding and Applying for Government Grants - Neal Brown
According to a U.S. government website, there are $400 billion in grants currently available in over 1000 different programs. Naturally with such a huge amount finding a program that you or your company might qualify for is a huge task. ...

Fight Local Government Apathy - Become Involved - Al Arnold
Copyright 2006 Al Arnold The basics of learning how your local governments operate, can be mastered over time by devoting only two hours a year, to that goal. That is the time it would take for you to attend, just one local government...

Local Government Apathy - Al Arnold
Copyright 2006 Al Arnold I have been concerned about government/political apathy for some time. Especially, when it comes to local government. A unique idea has come out of Nevada. Daniel Rosen has announced his intent to run for U.S....

Government Education Loans - Max Bellamy
This article provides useful, detailed information about Government Education Loans. Educational loans are meant for people who cannot afford education. They are a great way to complete higher studies if limited by...

Local Government - Solving Problems - Al Arnold
Copyright 2006 Al Arnold "Politics is not the art of the possible. It consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable." John Kenneth Galbraith Oh, how true! When you have a problem in your personal life, does your...

Collective of Concepts to Better Understand your Public Administration & e-Government [0803] - S Maurer
Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required. By S. Maurer Imagine an...

Consolidating Your Government Student Loans - Dale Ronewicz
A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine your federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly payment, which can be significantly lower than the payment required under the standard 10-year repayment option. Under the Federal Family...

Beware and Prepare: The Government Workforce of the Future - Marnie E Green
Current economic conditions, along with shifting demographics, will no doubt impact public sector organizations in the next five years.  This article will discuss some of the most critical issues facing government workforce planners,...

Government loans - Mansi gupta
These days when there is so much of hue and cry amongst private loan agencies, each trying to downplay the merits and work of the other, the loans offered by government remain immaculate and selflessly benefiting the public. Government...

Federal Loans - What the Government Does to Help You Pay for School - Vanessa McHooley
Federal Loans - What the Government Does to Help You Pay for School Going to college in America these days is not something for those with weak pocketbooks, as money is of the essence when attending any college or university within the country....