Mosquito Abatement Bikers Hit the Streets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2013
Contact
Jim Roberts, Director of Environmental Health (217) 531-2909
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Mosquito Abatement Bikers Hit the Streets
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District begins 2013Culex Mosquito Abatement
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is starting Culex mosquito abatement this week for the 2013 mosquito season. CUPHD uses seasonal workers on bikes, known as Mosquito Abatement Bikers (MABs), to evaluate and treat public catch basins in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy. The catch basins are treated with a product that disrupts the life cycle of the mosquito and reduces adult mosquito emergence. Catch basins are prime breeding sites for the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (WNV).
Homeowners can also have an impact on mosquito populations by draining standing water on their property. Items such as gutters, abandoned pools, garbage cans, flower pots, toys, tires, trash, bird baths and wading pools can all be potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Actions you can take to limit exposure to WNV are:
- Drain standing water
- Mosquito proof your home
- During WNV season between dusk and dawn:
- Apply insect repellent o Wear long sleeves and pants
- Consider limiting outdoor activity
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Only about two people in 10 who are infected with WNV will experience any illness. Illness from WNV is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
Information about WNV activity can be found on the CUPHD website at http://www.c-uphd.org/west-nile-virus.html.
###