News --- Wayne County Renews Program to Assist Communities With West Nile Virus

Wayne – County Executive Robert A. Ficano and Department of Public Health Director Anahid Kulwicki on Tuesday announced the renewal of Wayne County’s Mosquito Abatement Assistance Program for out-County communities. The program provides assistance to municipalities that take measures to fight West Nile Virus (WNV). The County took similar measures in past years.

"We are pleased once again to be able to provide our communities with the assistance they need to control the mosquito population and help protect our families from West Nile Virus," said Ficano. "Summer is the most popular time for people to enjoy the outdoors, and we’re actively helping communities to protect their residents."

The Department of Public Health has committed $200,000 to help fight West Nile Virus. Up to $125,000 will be distributed among Wayne County’s 42 communities, while remaining funds will go toward County-wide education, outreach, and prevention activities. Distribution of funds is based on population. City officials can receive assistance for larviciding, WNV educational flyers and campaigns, and the reduction of mosquito breeding sites where standing water exists.

"Controlling the mosquito population is the single most important thing we can do to minimize the impact of West Nile Virus on our region," said Kulwicki. "In addition, we all need to become educated on ways to personally prevent West Nile Virus."

The County’s web site, www.waynecounty.com, has a range of information for residents on how they can protect themselves and their families from the virus. In order to reduce the risk of West Nile infection, Wayne County health officials continue to urge residents to:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water such as old tires, bird baths, toys that collect water, flower pots without drainage, wading pools and any other areas where mosquitoes could breed.
  
  
• Repair or replace window screens and seal areas of your home where mosquitoes are likely to get in.
  
  
• Use insect repellent containing DEET (follow manufacturer’s instructions) for longer-lasting protection.
  
  
• Avoid being in mosquito areas when they are most active (early morning and evening hours).
  
  
• Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors.

Less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. After the first local human cases were detected in 2002, public education emphasizing prevention and mosquito abatement helped reduce WNV tremendously. However, a significant increase occurred last year, with 21 reported human cases, including three deaths in Wayne County.

"While no prediction can be made about West Nile Virus this season, it is possible for everyone to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites and help avoid contracting the virus," said Kulwicki.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans mainly through mosquito bites. It is not spread through person-to-person contact. Those most susceptible to the virus are people over age 50. Since birds are the primary carriers of West Nile Virus, residents who find dead birds can contact the Wayne County Department of Public Health at (734) 727-7445. Additional information is available online at www.cdc.gov.

For additional media inquiry, contact Michael Moon in Public Health at (734) 727-7007.