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Home • Newsletter • Meeting Information • Membership • Officers |
| 2007 | ||
| West Nile Virus - 2007 | ||
Guarding Against West Nile VirusBy Helen Huntley |
2007 Article Links Benefits of ASM Membership | |
Mosquito bites can be an itchy nuisance. But a person who is bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus may become seriously ill. The virus can cause encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain – or meningitis – an inflammation of the spinal cord and lining of the brain. Jeff Sheyka, environmental scientist for the Albuquerque Health Department Bio-Disease Management Program, works with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect mosquitoes, identify their species, and analyze them to see if they carry West Nile virus. If the virus is found in any of the mosquitoes, the city intensifies spraying the area where the insects were found. The Bio-Disease Management Program’s home page at www.cabq.gov currently encourages residents to prepare for mosquito season by obtaining Gambusia mosquitofish free of charge from the Environmental Health Department beginning in May. “These are fish that eat mosquitoes. They are naturally occurring native fish. We breed the fish in ponds and distribute them through the county,” Sheyka said.
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He said city and county residents should place the fish in standing water, permanent water, and drainages to act as a biological control against disease. “Citizens can call 3-1-1 – the city information number – and request the fish. They should be available in May and June,” he added. Cases of West Nile virus in Bernalillo County have dropped steadily since 2003. In 2003, the frequency was six cases per 100,000 people; in 2004, three per 100,000; and in 2005, less than one per 100,000. No cases of West Nile virus were recorded in the county in 2006. The Bio-Disease Management Program participates in an electronic data exchange with the CDC and New Mexico Department of Health as part of its effort to better detect and control mosquito-borne diseases. The Environmental Health Department Website provides information about the Bio-Disease Management Program, as well as other programs. To learn more, select A – Z at the top of the city’s home page, click on “E,” and choose “Environmental Health Department.” You can also reach the department by dialing 768-2610. |
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Rio Grande Branch of the American Society for Microbiology |