from Andy Kunasek, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
June 22 – 28 is the twelfth annual Mosquito Control Awareness Week
In 2005, a friend of mine was almost killed, by of all things, a mosquito.
Former Phoenix mayor Paul Johnson was jogging along the wash near his North Phoenix home when he was bitten by a mosquito. Though he noticed it, he shrugged it off as a slight nuisance.
Sixty days later, Paul experienced backache, headache, nausea and debilitating fatigue. He happened to read about West Nile Virus (WNV) in the paper and called his doctor to say he had the symptoms. She told him he was crazy, but had him go in for a blood test. He was stunned when the test confirmed WNV. Though he was only in his mid-Forties and physically fit, it took him six months to recover.
In 2004, when Maricopa County led the number of WNV cases across the nation, 355 people were infected in our valley and 14 people died from the disease. Last year, our County efforts lowered the number to 68 reported human cases and four deaths. In 2008, our County already has had its first human case of WNV reported in March.
This is the first identified case in the nation and the first time a case has been reported so early in the year, which means we might have a busier season than in past years. In addition, this year we face an even greater challenge due to the mortgage crisis. Abandoned, foreclosed homes have increased the number of unmaintained pools, which are fertile breeding grounds for millions of mosquitoes.
To meet the escalating demand, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has made it possible for our Environmental Services Vector Control Program to increase its mosquito breeding prevention efforts. Recently, seasonal employees were converted to regular status so the department can operate at full staff. Also, procedures have been streamlined so if it has been determined an abandoned home is owned by a bank or by someone from out of town, inspectors can enter without a search warrant and implement the enforcement process.
My friend, Paul’s, episode taught me not to take the possibility of WNV lightly and it is crucial that each of us does our part. If my wife and I could be affected, our young children and our parents could be more vulnerable, so I checked out our home.
Here are things you can do:
- Eliminate where standing water can collect and breed mosquitoes, including old tires, buckets, pet dishes, plastic wading pools, birdbaths, plant pots.
- Keep your swimming pools, ponds and fountains clean and operational.
- Avoid over-watering your landscaping.
- Have sturdy screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Because mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants during these times or stay indoors.
- Notify Maricopa County of green pools or mosquito problems.
Do not hesitate to call for any West Vile Virus-related services. To report green pools or file complaints, to find WNV dead bird drop-off locations, or to request Fight the Bite campaign materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv.