Increase in Mosquito Populations Heightens Concern Over West Nile Virus.National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the Advises Homeowners to Practice Caution FAIRFAX, Va. -- West Nile Virus West Nile virus, microorganism and the infection resulting from it, which typically produces no symptoms or a flulike condition. The virus is a flavivirus and is related to a number of viruses that cause encephalitis. (WNV WNV West Nile Virus WNV World Net Visions ) activity in the U.S. has local governments, mosquito abatement districts and the public on high alert. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency in Kern, Colusa and San Joaquin counties in California The U.S. state of California is divided into fifty-eight counties. Counties are responsible for all elections, property-tax collection, maintenance of public records such as deeds, and local-level courts within their borders, as well as providing law enforcement (through the county after four human deaths and reports of WNV activity increased three-fold over the prior year. Similarly, states including Iowa, Idaho, Texas and many others across the country are battling mosquitoes in an effort to reduce WNV activity. Recent research from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ) shows that mosquitoes are the pests of most concern during the summer months. Anxiety over the transmission of serious diseases, such as West Nile, encephalitis encephalitis (ĕnsĕf'əlī`təs), general term used to describe a diffuse inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, usually of viral origin, often transmitted by mosquitoes, in contrast to a bacterial infection of the meninges and meningitis - all of which can result in fatalities - have homeowners looking for preventative measures to keep mosquitoes away. "Not only are mosquitoes a summer nuisance pest, but they can also be a major health threat to the public," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "There are preventative measures homeowners can take to reduce mosquito populations around their home and there are effective treatment options available through their local pest professionals." NPMA offers the following tips for relief from mosquitoes this summer season: * Eliminate sources of standing water like kiddy pools, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, barrels, and other objects that can collect water. * Keep windows and doors properly screened. * Be alert when outdoors during dawn, dusk and early evening hours when mosquito-biting activity peaks. * Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes. * Plan ahead for spending time outdoors and wear mosquito repellant with DEET, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation ) To learn more about mosquito control options or to find a pest professional in your area visit www.pestworld.org or www.whatisipm.org. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. |
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