Mosquito Surveillance program buzzes around Luke Published May 18, 2007 By Carol O'Maley Thunderbolt staff writer LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- West Nile Virus and other mosquitoborne diseases that can lead to serious illness or death can be a concern this time of year. However, positive steps are taken each year at Luke to prevent mosquito infestations that could lead to infections. Maj. Gabrielle Childs, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight commander, encourages all Airmen and their families to take preventive action around their homes, as well. "Our flight runs a mosquito surveillance program at Luke between April and October to monitor possible disease-carrying mosquitoes," she said. "We trap and collect mosquitoes and take them to the Arizona Department of Health Services for identification and testing. Depending on their number, species and potential health threat, we notify the 56th Civil Engineer Pest Management Flight to conduct mosquito control when needed." Major Childs encourages all Airmen who rent or own homes to control mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water in their front, back and side yards and patios. "It's very important to get rid of even small amounts of standing water around your house, because mosquitoes can breed in as little Mosquito surveillance program buzzes around Luke as a half-inch of water," she said. She recommends eliminating standing water that may collect in: -birdbaths and pet feeding dishes leaves, troughs and gutters -broken or unused "kiddy" pools -garbage can lids lying upside down -potted plants or saucers -puddles and low areas that collect water Mosquitoes hatch in as little as one week, and water is necessary in three of the four life stages of the mosquito. The male mosquito lives only a few days and does not bite, but the female lives a month or more and bites to obtain blood a number of times during her life. She restarts the cycle by laying more eggs in water. Listed below are steps to avoid mosquito bites. ·Wear protective clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks during times and in locations of high mosquito activity. Stay indoors as much as possible. -Use insect repellent before going into high risk areas. The most effective repellents ontain at least 20 to 30 percent diethyl toluamide. (Follow directions carefully and do not over apply. DEET should not be used on children 5 and under.) -Keep window and door screens in good repair. A fine screen (14 to 18 wires per inch) is most effective. They should fit lightly, and doors should swing out and be self-closing. -Avoid relying on electronic bug killers or ultrasonic repellents - they are not effective. Those who suffer a combination of WNV symptoms including high fever, headache, confusion, disorientation, muscle weakness and coma should seek immediate medical attention. People age 50 and older are at a higher risk of becoming ill from the disease, which can cause inflammation of the brain. When birds are infected with WNV, it is often deadly to them. Therefore, dead birds can be a sign that the virus is in the area, and that mosquitoes are carrying the virus. In an effort to monitor the disease, dead birds may be submitted for testing. If you find a dead bird, report it to Maricopa County at (602) 506-6616, or file a complaint online at http://www.maricopa.gov/envsvc/forms/deadbird_start.asp. To report mosquito infestations at Luke, or for more information, call the 56th AMDS Public Health at (623) 856-6174.