San Bernardino County, CA, August 6, 2013 – With mosquitoes near Fontana and in Needles testing positive for West Nile Virus recently, residents throughout San Bernardino County are encouraged to take the following precautions:
· Remove all standing water around your property where mosquitoes lay eggs such as birdbaths, clogged gutters, or even puddles from leaky sprinklers.
· Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk.
· Apply insect repellent containing DEET.
· Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
The California Department of Public Health also encourages the public to participate in the surveillance program by reporting dead birds or squirrels to the State West Nile Virus toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD, or online. Mosquitoes can fly up to 1.5 miles per hour, potentially transmitting the virus and impacting entire neighborhoods.
