There has been much in the news lately regarding viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Zika virus. About 80% of those who become infected
with Zika show no symptoms and of the 20% who do become ill, most have mild symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. However, the Zika virus can cause severe birth defects in pregnant women. As such, the City of Newport News is working closely with the Peninsula Health District to educate our citizens on how to protect yourselves and others from mosquito bites and prevent the spread of such diseases.
The best line of defense is to take action to protect yourself, your family and your community. This includes removing standing water around your home to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. “Tip & toss" any object that might hold even an ounce of water and bird feeders and dog dishes should have water changed at least once a week. Other protective measures include wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, spraying clothing with permethrin sprays and using insect repellants that include DEET, which can be used directly on the skin.
The Zika virus is transmitted by two types of mosquitoes: Yellow Fever and Asian Tiger. Both mosquitoes are invasive to Virginia with the Asian Tiger being the most common mosquito in Newport News. The City of Newport News’ mosquito control program works to protect both public health and the environment from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. In addition to public outreach and education, the program also entails surveillance, which utilizes mosquito traps and larval surveys, and control measures including larvicide efforts and truck fogging. Aerial adulticide spraying is not an effective control measure of this particular mosquito.
Newport News residents can request a free home inspection from the Department of Public Works to help identifying potential mosquito breeding grounds by calling the City’s 311 Contact Center at 757-933-2311 or emailing
311@nnva.gov. The City’s website has more
mosquito control tips. For further information on the Zika virus, visit the
Virginia Department of Health’s website