The District of Columbia Department of Health announces its annual campaign to detect and respond to the West Nile Virus.

Introduction

West Nile Virus has been found in many eastern states and the District of Columbia. West Nile Virus is mainly an infection of birds and on rare occasions may be spread to humans by mosquito bites. The virus is found mainly in crows, blue jays and hawks. In human infections, the virus causes no symptoms or may cause mild flu-like symptoms and is rarely severe.

Special Notes

Senior citizens, the very young and those with suppressed immune systems are more vulnerable. These residents are encouraged to stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are more active.

If persons must be outdoors, they should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and apply insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin according to the manufacturer's directions. For children, use a product with a DEET concentration of less than 30 percent. Persons with a severe illness should seek medical attention promptly.

Spraying

The District does not spray pesticides into the environment for many reasons.  First, many scientific studies show that aerial spraying is not effective.  It kills only the mosquitoes which are airborne at the time.  Those under foliage, brush and under ground (in catch basins and sewers) are not affected.  Non target and beneficial species such as bees, spiders and the preying mantis are killed as well. Pesticides residues linger in the environment, causing asthma, cancer and certain birth defects.  Instead, an organic compound in the form of granules called Larvicide is used to treat public space such as sewer drains where mosquitoes are known to harbor.