Workers with the county's weed control department will be doing their part to stave off the spread of West Nile virus by dropping pellets into any infested water they might encounter, part of a new cooperative effort that should mean a more efficient distribution of the insecticide.
The pellets contain S-Methoprene, an insect growth regulator that eradicates mosquito larvae in water.
County Manager Dan Holler said it was an effective use of county employees who are in the field on a daily basis, spraying noxious weeds in Douglas County.
The county roads crew will soon be trained to add the pellets in the catch basins that they maintain, according to Community Development Director Mitch Dion.
Mosquito Control Officer Ron Lynch has been fogging and pelleting Douglas County's mosquito abatement district all summer.
Holler applauded Lynch's work and recognizes that Douglas County's efforts are small in comparison, but believes that every little bit can help to stop the spread of West Nile.
This will be an effective use of county employees who are already in the field, spraying noxious weeds in Douglas County, Holler said.
"They'll be able to address the problems immediately and on site, without having to contact Mosquito Control," he said.
Lynch gave Weed Control Coordinator Larry Hughes a few tips on what to watch for, and where to drop the pellets last week. Hughes has four seasonal workers and Lynch employs two part-time workers for Douglas County's mosquito abatement area, 106 square miles primarily in Carson Valley.
"Because of West Nile, Douglas County has given me money to take care of areas outside the mosquito abatement area," Lynch said. "I appreciate their cooperation."
Mosquitoes prefer to breed in stagnant or slowly-moving water, Lynch said.
"I found a kayak and a canoe with water in the bottom. Both were loaded with mosquito larvae," he said. "And the hotter it gets, the faster they grow. It takes 10 days from egg to active mosquito in hot weather and 15 days when it gets cooler."
The solution is tipping the boats to remove the water, Lynch said.
County efforts are important, but just part of the solution. Residents play an important role in eradicating mosquitoes and controlling spread of West Nile by destroying any breeding sites around their homes, according to information from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The following is a set of guidelines, published by the Agency.
• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
BREAKOUT
According to figures from the Nevada State Health Division, 10 cases of human West Nile virus infections have been reported in Douglas County to date.
Last year, just one case had been reported in Douglas County by August and the season isn't over. Cases were reported in Northern Nevada through October 2005. Nine cases were documented in Nevada through August 2005, and the state-wide total for that year was 30.
The number of West Nile virus infections have not increased in Douglas County this week but statewide, that figure jumped to 68, an increase of 13 over last week's totals, according to Martha Framsted, spokeswoman for the Nevada State Health Division.
Of those cases, 24 resulted in the more serious form of the disease, causing encephalitis or meningitis. There have been no fatalities in Nevada to date, Framsted said.
For more information, access the Health Division's Web site at: health2k.state.nv.us/php/WNVCurrent/WNVactivity.htm
