West Nile’s Return Gets Mosquito Killers Going

With West Nile virus making its advance on Southern California, mosquito control agencies have been preparing themselves for as long as two years to increase efforts to kill the insects, which carry the disease.

The Orange County Vector Control District has hired 24 temporary inspectors, twice the number added last year to destroy mosquitoes in marshlands, sewers, aqueducts and other areas with standing water. Anticipating that the disease would reach the West Coast soon -- the first confirmed case originating in California was in August -- the agency had allocated $150,000 extra for this year’s campaign.

For this year, the first signs of the disease came during routine testing March 2 when county Vector Control discovered two finches at a Fullerton park that had been exposed to the virus.

West Nile, which made its first U.S. appearance five years ago in New York, has slowly spread west. Figures through 2003 show that 13,693 cases have been reported nationwide and 549 people have died of it, most of them older than 50. This year’s season is only just beginning.

Most people who contract West Nile will not get sick. Some will suffer flu-like symptoms for several days. One in about 150 people develop brain or spinal cord infections. As with chickenpox, those infected will build a lifelong immunity against the virus.

Dr. Martine Jozan, a research associate for the county Vector Control, said the discovery of the virus locally is nothing to panic about, but residents should take precautions.

While the agency can spray pesticide and disperse standing water on county land, 80% of reported West Nile cases come from mosquitoes in backyards.

“We can only attempt to remove mosquitoes from nonresidential areas,” said Dr. Richard H. Evans, also with Vector Control. “It’s up to the public to take control of their yards.”

People with mosquito problems, however, can call Vector Control for help.

Buckets, cans, old tires or any containers where water can accumulate are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as are ornamental ponds and unchlorinated swimming pools. One inspector estimated that a pool at an abandoned house in Orange County spawned 10 million mosquitoes one summer.

Other Southern California agencies have taken steps in anticipation of West Nile in California.

The Los Angeles County West Vector Control District added about 20 positions in 2002. Today, 65 staff members in the agency are devoted to mosquito eradication and West Nile prevention.

“We took on the staff then, had them all trained and made sure they had two years under their belt,” said Executive Director Bob Saviskas.

Los Angeles County is preparing public service announcements that will be shown on cable TV channels and radio. In addition, pamphlets about West Nile will be inserted in the bills sent to Metropolitan Water District customers.

“As far as public education, this year is by far our biggest-ever campaign,” Saviskas said.