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According to a press release, mosquitoes caught last week in the traps of St. Charles County's Health and Environmental Protection Division were tested positive for West Nile virus . year. Residents should not be alarmed or panicked by this discovery, but aware and vigilant in their personal efforts to discourage mosquito bites.
"County staff knew that West Nile virus is present in the metropolitan area this season, and now that the virus has appeared in St. Charles County, we are increasing treatment protocols for surrounding areas," said Ryan Tilley, a member of the circle of the Division of Health and Environmental Protection. "St. The staff of the Charles County Mosquito Control Program are targeting known habitat areas to minimize the development of adult mosquitoes. This will help us control the spread of the virus. "
Tilley said that a team effort among residents and the St. Charles County Mosquito Control Program is helping to" block the bite "and reduce exposure to mosquito bites Residents may reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus by using a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil. outside during the rest of summer and autumn.They should also remove or treat areas where water settles for several days and keep the gutters and yards free of debris. where mosquitoes can collect.
This is the second year that the county uses collection sites to analyze the distribution and types of mosquitoes.The traps were installed in various county sites in June and will remain in operation. place until September.The traps are controlled s and the collections analyzed each week.
"Using information from these collection sites, our staff can target specific areas where we need to decrease the total population of mosquitoes in the county." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 33 states, including Missouri and Illinois, reported West Nile virus activity this year: about 80% of people infected with the virus do not Feel no discomfort In extreme cases, especially in people 60 years of age and older or in people with a medical history, the disease can cause brain inflammation, stiff neck, convulsions, coma and death. For information on West Nile Virus, visit sccmo.org/WestNileVirus.
The St. Charles County Mosquito Control Program is designed to inspect problem areas and identify areas of concern. Apply effective treatments to red. the mosquito population; target habitat areas to control larvae; and spray to treat adult mosquitoes. In addition to efforts in the unincorporated St. Charles County, the division enters into contracts with several municipalities, including Augusta, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Flint Hill, Lake St. Louis, Portage des Sioux, St. Paul, Weldon Spring, Weldon Spring Heights and Wentzville. Residents who are concerned about harmful mosquitoes should visit sccmo.org/mosquito or call 636-949-1800 to ask for help. Those living within the city limits of O. Fallon, St. Charles and St. Peters should contact their respective town hall for information.
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