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Joey Airdo
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Posted: Fri Apr 25th, 2008 03:51 pm |
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West Nile starts 2008 season early
Residents report rise in mosquito sightings, bites
By Joey Airdo
Independent Newspapers
In the wake of a surprisingly early case of West Nile virus late last month and with warmer temperatures already arriving, Maricopa County officials are cautioning residents to keep pool waters circulating and rid homes of standing water everywhere else.
According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the first case of West Nile virus this year in the United States was reported March 26 when a man in his 60s was diagnosed. The man resides in the Southeast Valley.
In response to the incident, Scottsdale officials have been running a statement in the city’s newsletters and e-mail subscriptions.
“Remember, dawn and dusk hours are when mosquitoes are most active,” the statement reads. “Insect repellents and proper clothing can give you the edge and help you ‘fight the bite.’ Scottsdale is working with Maricopa County to prevent the spread of West Nile virus.”
Christine Schild, a member of the Scottsdale Neighborhood Enhancement Commission, stated in an e-mail she has definitely noticed an increase of mosquitoes out and about lately. She attributes their presence to the rainfall the Valley experienced earlier this year.
City spokesman Mike Phillips was not aware of any recent incidents involving mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in North Scottsdale at press time. However, he referred all questions about health issues, including West Nile virus, to Maricopa County officials.
“County officials trap mosquitoes at various locations in the Valley when appropriate, including Scottsdale,” Mr. Phillips explained.
Maricopa County Environmental Services spokesman Johnny Dilone could not find any reports of West Nile virus so far this year in North Scottsdale.
Editor’s note: Read more about this issue in the North Scottsdale Independent, April 30, 2008.
Registered members are encouraged to comment on this topic by clicking “reply” in the upper right corner of this entry. Comments posted online may be used in an upcoming edition of the North Scottsdale Independent. For more news, visit http://circulation.newszap.com to purchase an e-Subscription. As an e-Subscriber, you will be able to view the actual newspaper pages online, including every story, feature, advertisement and photo.
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