Suffolk mosquitoes, chickens have West Nile, EEE

SUFFOLK

Mosquitoes and chickens in the city have tested positive for West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis.

West Nile virus has been found in mosquito collections and sentinel chicken flocks in the areas of Market Street, Pine Street, Freeney Avenue, Lloyd Street, the Lake Kennedy area, Suburban Woods, Wonderland Forest, Burbage Grant and the Great Dismal Swamp, according to a news release from Suffolk’s Division of Mosquito Control.

Eastern equine encephalitis was found in the areas of Lake Kennedy, Suburban Woods and the Great Dismal Swamp.

West Nile and EEE are mosquito-borne and can cause mild flu-like illness to severe illness, the news release said. No human cases of either have been reported in Suffolk.

The city is increasing its mosquito surveillance, treatment of standing water and evening spray applications for adult mosquitoes as a result of the positive test results.

Suffolk Public Works offered the following tips to decrease the chance of contracting West Nile:

- Remain indoors during times of greatest mosquito activity (one hour before dusk to one hour before dawn).

- Wear loose, long and light-colored clothing when outdoors.

- Use insect repellants containing DEET according to the label instructions.

To contribute to the mosquito-control efforts:

- Empty water-holding containers: buckets, drums, bottles, tin cans, wheel barrows, potted plant trays, etc.

- Properly dispose of used tires.

- Clear roof gutters, downspouts and corrugated black drainpipes of any water collection.

- Clean wading and swimming pools.

- Drain water from tarps.

- Place Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water areas around your home which include ditches and low lying areas. Free mosquito dunks are available to Suffolk residents older than 18 at Fire Stations 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. To get the free mosquito dunk, bring proof of residence and a picture identification and sign the information sheet at the fire station.

Additional information about mosquito-borne diseases is available from www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/WestNile/ or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.