Scott organizations team up to reduce mosquitoes on base Published June 27, 2012 By Senior Airman Dannielle Inneo 375th Public Health Flight SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Mosquitoes can carry and transmit serious illnesses to include West Nile Virus. Each year from May to October the 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Public Health flight, and the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Control Management team up for mosquito surveillance. The program uses a multi-faceted approach and promotes maximum mosquito prevention for Team Scott. PH sets weekly mosquito traps in various areas across the base. Based on the number of mosquitoes collected PH coordinates with CES Pest Management to identify areas that need control measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes in that particular area. Additionally, PH sends the mosquitoes off to the Air Force lab for identification to verify the types of mosquitoes found to identify possible carriers of diseases. PH and CES Pest Management do not survey or spray off-base housing areas. That program is contracted and managed through the Scott Landing Housing Office. In 2011, there were several cases of Human West Nile Virus in the greater St. Louis area, mainly in St. Louis County and St. Louis City. Symptoms of the disease can range from mild to severe flu-like symptoms. Currently, there is no specific vaccine for prevention, nor is there any specific treatment other than supportive care. Any person who suspects they may have contracted the West Nile Virus should seek immediate medical attention. Here is a list of helpful tips to protect you and your family this summer season: · Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris. · Remove water in flower pots, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, etc. · Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use. · Store boats covered or upside down or remove rainwater weekly. · Maintain aeration unit discharges to prevent stagnant water. · Change water in bird baths at least once a week. · Change your pet's outdoor water bowls daily. · Keep weeds and tall grass cut short. · Ensure doors and screens are in good repair. · Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors. · Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts and use DEET on exposed skin. For more information on West Nile Virus visit the website www.cdc.gov/westnile or call 375th Public Health Flight at 256-4986. Contact the Scott Landing Housing Office at 746-4911 concerning mosquito control in the housing areas.