Our late, wet spring may discourage some people. But it’s heaven for mosquitoes.
And some mosquitoes in San Mateo County carry West Nile Virus, which killed 18 people in California last year and sickened 928.
A dead crow found in Moss Beach April 24 carried the virus, according the San Mateo County’s Mosquito Abatement District. “We know we have the virus in the county. And there’s lots of water out there,” warned Chindi Peavey, vector ecologist with the district.
District staff members are treating streams, salt marshes, ponds, storm drains, and standing water all over the county. But they need help from residents to slow the spread of mosquitoes and the disease they bear.
The main message is to avoid standing water around your home. Empty containers — flowerpots, tires, whatever — and keep swimming pools well maintained.
Ms. Peavey warned that water often accumulates under houses where people may not notice it. “Make sure that sump pumps are operating, and don’t have broken pipes under the house,” she urged.
The best way not to get exposed to West Nile Virus is not to get bitten by mosquitoes. The district suggests wearing light colored clothing with long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and using mosquito repellant.
“If you are bitten, call us,” Ms. Peavey said. A technician will respond within 48 hours. Some people confuse little flying midges with mosquitoes,” Ms. Peavey noted. “But midges don’t bite. If you’re not bitten, they are probably midges.”
Last year, two infected birds were found in San Mateo County, Ms. Peavey said. Two people came down with the virus, but both contracted it outside the county. Both recovered.
Since horses are very susceptible to West Nile Virus, Ms. Peavey suggested owners make sure their horses either get a vaccination or a booster soon, before the mosquito season gets under way. There is no vaccine for people.
Finally, anyone who finds a dead bird — especially crows, ravens or jays — or a dead squirrel should report it to the state’s West Nile hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD.
For help or more information, call the Mosquito Abatement District at 344-8592; or go to smcmad.org.
