Pestech offers prevention tips
Liberty, N.Y. – Aug. 30, 2012 – Since July, a total of 693 cases of the West Nile Virus have been reported in the U.S.— the highest number since the Virus was first detected in the country since 1999—and just this month, cases were reported locally here in New York State. Pestech, the Tri-State area’s leader in insect control and pest management, gives the low-down on the Virus’ threat and how to stay best protected from its carriers in high season.
First discovered in Africa in 1973, the West Nile Virus infected birds, animals and mosquitoes, and then made its way to humans through bites from mosquitoes with the disease. It is important to note, however, that the Virus cannot be spread from person to person; rather, an individual must be bitten by a mosquito in order to become infected.
“The West Nile Virus has been viewed in the past as a virus that does not affect us here in the U.S., but that is a dangerous misconception,” said Bruce Davidson, CEO of Pestech. “We should always be alert of mosquitoes and take necessary precautions against them, particularly the in hot, humid weather that has been prominent this summer.”
In fact, the Virus has been found in our own region this year. The Orange County Health Department announced in July that two mosquitoes, one in the Village of Goshen and one in the Village of Greenwood Lake, were infected with the West Nile Virus and were found as a result of the Department’s mosquito monitoring program.
Those most at risk are individuals over the age of 50 and those with impaired immune systems. Children and young adults, though, typically show only minor flu-like symptoms and recover relatively quickly. Symptoms to look for include fever, headache, neck and back stiffness, muscle aches, tiredness, swollen glands and rash. The worst outcomes of the West Nile Virus are neuroinvasive cases, which develop into meningitis or encephalitis—an irritation and swelling of the brain. Out of the total 693 cases reported in the U.S. this summer, 59 percent were neuroinvasive and 26 deaths have been reported.
To reduce risks of contracting the West Nile Virus, there are several simple guidelines to follow during the height of mosquito season (July-September):
• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are the most active.
• Wear socks, shoes and long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time, especially if you are near water or high grass.
• Make sure you have access to mosquito repellent if you know you will be spending an extended amount of time outdoors; those that contain lemon eucalyptus or picaridin are the most effective.
• Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days, so be sure to survey your property for pooled water – puddles, tin cans and ceramic pots are common offenders.
For more tips and information, visit www.pestech.com or call 1-800-287-BUGS.
About Pestech
Pestech, headquartered in Liberty, N.Y., is a leader in insect control and pest management in the Tri-State area. Family owned and operated since 1989, Pestech has a knowledgeable and well-trained service staff and is committed to providing the most reliable pest control and management service in the industry. For additional information, visit www.pestech.com.
