Support West Nile virus surveillance
Contributed by DHEC

Warm weather is approaching, and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control wants help to reduce the risk from the serious diseases mosquitoes can carry with the following tips:

• Remove any buckets, cups, bottles, flowerpots, plastic bags, tires or any waterholding containers that might have accumulated outside.

• Do not allow water to stagnate in areas of the yard such as in low- lying areas, roadside ditches, under driveway culverts, in boats or on tarps that cover yard items such as boats, swimming pools, grills and woodpiles.

• Keep birdbaths and pet bowls clean. Flush with clear water and clean out at least once a week.

• Clean fallen leaves and other debris out of roof gutters and spouting.

• Make sure outdoor trash cans have tight- fitting lids. If lids are not available, drill holes in the bottom of the can.

Other items to check for during the spring spruce- up:

• Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair.

• Stock ornamental ponds with minnows or use appropriately labeled products to control mosquito larvae.

• Trim and maintain shrubs and grass.

In addition to preventing mosquitoes from breeding, the following are ways to avoid mosquito bites:

• Stay inside at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.

• If outside during these times, wear long- sleeved shirts and pants.

• Use appropriate insect repellents according to label directions.

Horses and dogs also can get mosquito- borne diseases. Check with your veterinarian about heartworm testing and preventive medicine for dogs.

Vaccines are available to prevent West Nile virus as well as Eastern equine encephalitis virus in equines. Each vaccine should be administered in both spring and fall because S.C.'s mosquito season is so long.

DHEC's West Nile virus Web site reports data gathered from its Bureau of Labs, along with collaborative data contributed by the Department of Natural Resources and Clemson University's Veterinary Diagnostic Center.

For more information or assistance with mosquito control efforts, contact your local mosquito control program. For guidelines on submitting bird samples, surveillance data or more information on West Nile virus, visit: http://www.scdhec.gov/westnile. For updated information about recommended mosquito repellants, visit the CDC web site at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates. htm.