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Agencies on base team up to reduce mosquitoes

  • Published
Scott Air Force Base, Ill --  With mosquito season underway at Scott Air Force Base, the 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight, or PH, and the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Control Management have teamed up for their mosquito programs.

Each year from May to October PH and CE run programs to help reduce mosquitoes while also remaining on the lookout for the West Nile Virus.

One to two times a week, members of the PH team set-up mosquito traps in various areas throughout the base as part of their surveillance program. CE Pest Control then receives a report from PH identifying areas that need to be sprayed. Due to housing contract changes, PH and CE will not be surveying or spraying off-base housing areas. These areas will be sprayed by a contracted pest control company.

Mosquitoes carry and transmit a multitude of diseases to include the West Nile Virus, which has been present in the Southern Illinois and St. Louis area for the past eight years. Although there has been no significant increase in the virus in this region, the disease is still present today, averaging one to two cases a year.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe flu-like symptoms. Currently, there is no specific vaccine for prevention nor is there any treatment specified. Any person who suspects they may have contracted the West Nile Virus needs to seek medical attention immediately. To help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus here is a list of things you can do:
· Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris.
· Remove water in old tires, 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 and/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 www.cdc.gov/westnile or call PH at 256-4986. If you have any questions or concerns about mosquito surveillance/control in the housing areas, please contact the Scott Landing Housing Office at 746-4911.