Stay away from mosquitoes this summer

Palo Alto Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, 7/24/12.  "Dead squirrel found in Menlo Park infected with West Nile virus." 

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"The West Nile virus was detected in the body of a gray squirrel found in Menlo Park earlier this month, a vector control official announced Monday.  A hawk also tested positive for the virus in June, said Angie Nakano, a vector ecologist with San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control. Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, the West Nile virus tends to flare up between the spring and fall, Nakano said, adding that "the virus and mosquitoes multiply faster when it's warmer."

....  Of the 3,146 people infected since 2004 by the West Nile virus in California, 110 have died from the disease, according to the California Department of Public Health's website. There have been six reports of human infections in 2012, but no fatalities 

....  Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, including eliminating sources of standing water, wearing repellent in areas with a lot of mosquitoes, and staying covered or inside during dawn and dusk, according to the agency. 

Residents frequently bitten by mosquitoes around their home or elsewhere should contact the {San Mateo Mosquito and Vector Control} district at 650-344-8592."  Read Article.

Reference - Mosquito Solutions,"Mosquito Facts", quick view..  Web MD, "Are you a mosquito magnet?"  Science, how stuff works, "How mosquitoes work."

Posted by Kathy Meeh