Hello!
West Nile virus activity levels are high throughout all of Greater Los Angeles County and District scientists have declared 2011 an epidemic year. The District is urging residents to take the necessary precautions against mosquito bites and keep their health a priority this summer.
You'll read in this edition of Buzzword that the District responded to the staggering statistics by launching a preemptive door-to-door outreach campaign in hopes of preventing human cases this year.
We hope everyone enjoys the remaining weeks of summer and heads into the school year healthy and safe.
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The Bug Bus is Ready to Roll!
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Did you know that the District offers a FREE science-education program to elementary schools within its territory? The VecMobile is a laboratory-on-wheels that brings science education alive for fifth-grade students. Contact Education Program Coordinator LeShawn Simplis at (562)944-9656 x513 for more information and to book today. Dates fill quickly so make sure to call soon! |
Knocking Out West Nile Virus
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Grassroots Effort Brings Message of Prevention to Residents
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Supervisor Kevin Vargas approaches a residence
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District staff members launched two door-to-door campaigns during the month of August in response to extremely high levels of West Nile virus activity throughout all of Greater Los Angeles County this summer. The District adheres to an aggressive, year-round mosquito abatement, surveillance and public outreach program; however, epidemic years call for additional outreach and control measures to protect the public from a potentially debilitating disease. District staff has significantly increased its public outreach efforts in hopes of connecting with as many residents as possible.
The first campaign took place on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13. Dedicated staff members visited residents in Norwalk, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Whittier. The second door-to-door outreach effort took place on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27. For the second campaign, District employees knocked on doors in Diamond Bar, Hacienda Heights, Reseda and Van Nuys. The successful on-foot campaigns allowed the District to reach residents that may not have otherwise heard the message about the West Nile virus risk in L.A. County. Informational brochures and breeding source inspections were offered to those who answered their doors. Door hangers alerting residents of the West Nile virus risk in their area along with prevention tips were distributed to all targeted homes.
There is no cure for West Nile virus and that is why prevention is key. The most important fact for residents to remember is that West Nile virus is generally spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This means that if you prevent mosquito bites, then you can prevent West Nile virus transmission. Activities between dusk and dawn should be avoided when possible because that is when mosquitoes in this region are most active. Long-sleeve shirts and pants will help prevent mosquitoes from biting as will applying insect repellent on exposed skin. The District recommends using insect repellents containing the active ingredients DEET, IR3535, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Around the home, properly-fitted, well-maintained screens on windows and doors will help keep mosquitoes out. (click here for full article)
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Mosquito Fun Fact
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Mosquitoes can fly approximately 1 to 1.5 miles per hour.
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Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District | |
Headquarters
12545 Florence Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: (562) 944-9656
Sylmar Branch
16320 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone: (818) 364-9589
[email protected]
www.glacvcd.org |