Reducing Your Risk of Exposure to West Nile Virus

The City of Moreno Valley Office of Emergency Management would like to inform the public that during this time of year, cases of West Nile virus are especially active due to high humidity, high temperatures and overall climate changes. It is important for the City of Moreno Valley to be aware of this increased risk and take preventive measures in reducing exposure to this disease. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Health officials emphasized that the risk of serious illness to humans is low. Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk for serious illness. Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions: • Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. • When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing. • Apply insect repellent according to label instructions. • Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. • Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding. • Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work. A comprehensive surveillance program to monitor for WNV in Riverside County has been established by the Department of Environmental Health Vector Control, local mosquito and vector control districts and other state and local agencies. The program includes testing suspected cases in humans and horses, capturing and testing mosquitoes, testing sentinel chickens and evaluating dead birds. Anyone who becomes ill after exposure to mosquitoes should contact his or her health care provider. The Riverside County Department of Public Health Disease Control Office can be reached at 951-358-5107 for more information about West Nile virus. Problems related to mosquito control should be directed to the appropriate mosquito control office: • Riverside City Mosquito Control, 951-351-6127 • Riverside County Mosquito Control, 951-766-9454 • Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control, 951-340-9792 • Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, 760-342-8287 If you are unsure of which agency services your area you may go to: westnile.ca.gov/ziplocator.php and enter your ZIP code. Dead birds can be reported at www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling toll-free 877-968-2473.