Friday, October 18, 2002
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Friday, October 18, 2002 |
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Second case of West Nile Virus confirmed By JOHN
THOMPSON
For the second time in just over a month, a case of West Nile Virus has been discovered in Coweta County. Officials confirmed this week that the deadly West Nile Virus was the cause of death of a crow near the SummerGrove subdivision in Newnan. According to Environmental Health officials, the results of the test on the crow were delivered to Coweta County Tuesday. With cooler weather arriving, the mosquitos will soon be gone for this season. But Environmental Health's Patty Gammans is already warning residents about next spring. "Make sure you have all standing water off your property when the warm weather comes back," she said. Environmental Health officials said the most important thing in preventing the spread of the disease is to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The Coweta County Environmental Health Department has a few tips on how to deal with these pesky pests. All mosquitoes need standing water for the first stages of development, by eliminating stagnant water around your homes the adults will not have a place to lay their eggs. Throwaway anything that can collect water such as old tire cans buckets uncovered jars, plant pots, old kiddy pools and toys. Clean gutters and downspouts and flat roofs. Stack anything that can hold water such as wheelbarrows, tubs, boats, canoes, barrels and buckets upside down so that water cannot accumulate in them. Scrub birdbaths, pet dishes and small pools and refill with clean water at least twice weekly. When watering lawns or gardens try not to leave puddles. Eliminate water holding tree stumps and fill holes in trees. Maintain pools and hot tubs with proper filtration, cover any pools that are not in use and do not allow water to collect on the covers. In ponds and water gardens keep fish that will eat the mosquito larvae. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. Please encourage your neighbors to do the same. Second, keep mosquitoes out of your home using tight fitting window and door screens, replace or repair any screens with holes or tears. Check all screened porches for any entry places. Keep grass and weeds mowed, especially on banks next to water, to reduce the adult mosquitoes' resting places. Third, one can use insect repellents with no more than 30 percent DEET, but use sparingly. Use products with 15 percent or less DEET for children. Do not use any product with DEET on babies. Use sparingly, and always follow the directions on the container. After exposure has ended be sure and wash treated skin with soap and water. Many of these products are only good for only up to 4 hours, depending on wind, temperature, humidity and sweating. Last, cover up. Wear long sleeves and long pants, socks and shoes. Some mosquitoes can still bite through loose clothing, but not as well. Or avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active, such as early morning and evening. Bug zappers are not a good means of controlling mosquitoes, they will kill more bugs that kill mosquitoes than they kill mosquitoes. Citronella candles and torches are only effective of there is not a breeze, and should be used outdoors. Electronic repellers have not proven effective. More information on mosquito abatement can be found at the County Extensions Office on East Washington Street or you can call them at 770-254-2620. You can also call Coweta County Environmental Health, 770-254-7422.
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