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The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District is warning Taft residents it has detected the presence of West Nile Virus in Taft.
According to a news release from District Manager Margie Tims, adult mosquito samples taken from in Taft and near Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area have tested positive for the virus.
She said the infected mosquitoes were found Wednesday in district traps located on Garratt Street and on agricultural land on the east side of the twin-lake aquatic recreation area northeast of Taft.
“Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities after dark,” the news release said. “If you must go out at night, be sure to apply a mosquito repellant such as those products that contain DEET or other repellants.”
The district also advises homeowners to take action to prevent mosquitoes by checking yards for any standing water that may serve as breeding grounds for the pests.
Neglected swimming pools, buckets, barrels, and even flower pots can hold enough water to breed mosquitoes.
Tims asks residents to report abandoned houses with pools by calling the district office at 763-3510.
The news release noted that most people who contract West Nile Virus don’t have noticeable symptoms.
“Only about 10 percent of the victims ever have the flu-like symptoms and only about one percent of those require treatment,” the district says.
Elderly people and the very young with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to the disease.
For more information on West Nile Virus and how to prevent mosquitoes, contact the district office, which is located at 7004 Gas Company Rd.
The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District is warning Taft residents it has detected the presence of West Nile Virus in Taft.
According to a news release from District Manager Margie Tims, adult mosquito samples taken from in Taft and near Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area have tested positive for the virus.
She said the infected mosquitoes were found Wednesday in district traps located on Garratt Street and on agricultural land on the east side of the twin-lake aquatic recreation area northeast of Taft.
“Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities after dark,” the news release said. “If you must go out at night, be sure to apply a mosquito repellant such as those products that contain DEET or other repellants.”
The district also advises homeowners to take action to prevent mosquitoes by checking yards for any standing water that may serve as breeding grounds for the pests.
Neglected swimming pools, buckets, barrels, and even flower pots can hold enough water to breed mosquitoes.
Tims asks residents to report abandoned houses with pools by calling the district office at 763-3510.
The news release noted that most people who contract West Nile Virus don’t have noticeable symptoms.
“Only about 10 percent of the victims ever have the flu-like symptoms and only about one percent of those require treatment,” the district says.
Elderly people and the very young with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to the disease.
For more information on West Nile Virus and how to prevent mosquitoes, contact the district office, which is located at 7004 Gas Company Rd.
