Vector Control

San Diego, CA July 15 2009 San Diego County Vector Control program will conduct aerial applications of mosquito larvicide at various wetlands throughout the county next Tuesday, 7/21/2009 in the North County and Wednesday, 7/22/2009 in the South and Central County.

This will be the fifth aerial drop of mosquito larvicide for the 2009 mosquito breeding season. Additional applications will be conducted at three week intervals or as needed. Higher temperatures have increased adult mosquito activity. Adult mosquito populations will be monitored every two weeks, countywide.

County Vector Control will use a helicopter to apply mosquito larvicide to local wetlands to reduce mosquito breeding. The larvicide is not toxic to humans and does not pose a risk to wildlife or the environment.

Controlling mosquito breeding is essential in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. West Nile Virus is a mosquito transmitted disease that has its peak occurrence during the warm summer months. The symptoms of WNV include: headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. About one in 150 people infected with WNV develop more severe symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or myelitis.

If you think you have symptoms consistent with WNV, contact your healthcare provider. Remember: the best protection against this virus is to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.