WEST NILE VIRUS NOW IN COUNTY, TAKE PRECAUTIONS

The West Nile Virus has been confirmed in birds and chickens in San Bernardino County, according to the Department of Public Health. A Victorville resident was hospitalized recently with West Nile Virus. The Health Department urges residents to assume that West Nile Virus is present throughout the region and should take precautions to protect themselves. Because mosquitoes, which transmit the virus, breed in stagnant water, all sources of stagnant water should be removed. Avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Apply DEET insect repellent. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose-fitting and light-colored. Report green swimming pools and other sources of mosquito breeding to the county’s Mosquito and Vector Control program at 800-442-2283. Report dead birds or squirrels to the state West Nile Virus hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD.