SR 05:117 - Laserfiche WebLink

Control. A partnership with Channel 30 and local newspapers will assist in public awareness. These public service announcements will provide information on the disease, symptoms, and prevention. Secondly, we will develop a written procedure for handling reports of dead birds and squirrels in our area. This procedure and reporting process will guide Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works Department employees handling such cases. Finally, we will generate an information tracking system for the reported emergency medical calls that include the disease symptoms. The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department's records management system has the ability to track special case studies. All flu like symptoms reported between May and October of 2005 would be detailed. We then will be able to correlate the cases at the end of the season and determine patterns or trends specific to our area. The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has been found in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first discovered in the United States in 1999 in New York City and has since spread throughout the country. While most people and animals that become infected only feel and exhibit minor to mild flu like symptoms or no symptoms at all, the at-risk groups can suffer significant illness and the disease may be fatal for such groups. The at-risk groups are placed in two categories, animals and humans. The majority of casualties are among birds. Over 150 different species of birds are susceptible to the virus. Most of these species of birds are found in our area; some are crows, magpies, ravens, and jays. The birds are known as reservoir hosts. The birds are bitten by infected mosquitoes and become infected. These birds are then bitten by non-infected mosquitoes and the virus is transferred to these mosquitoes. It is then passed on to the next bird the mosquito bites. Humans and horses are accidental hosts for WNV. When bitten by an infected mosquito, our immune system combats the virus. Our bodies then remember the virus and build an immune system to prevent further infections. The at-risk groups of humans are those who have a compromised immune system and the elderly, 57 to 90 years of age. In 2003, there were a reported 10,000 cases of West Nile Virus in the United States in humans with a death toll of 262. In 2004, there were 830 cases reported in California with 27 deaths. Horses also are at risk and sadly 1/3 of the horses that become infected will die. There are 2 vaccines available for horses. The breeding ground for this disease is found where there is standing water. The amount of water does not have to be large. The life cycle for mosquitoes begins in areas of standing water and the mosquito reproduces in large numbers. Popular breeding areas of standing water in yards are buckets, bird baths, and plant saucers. Other outside areas where standing water is found are ponds where debris has collected, old tires or tubs, and natural water ways or marshes with a reduced flow from circulating water after the wet season. Prevention of this disease begins with the elimination of standing water sources. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle. Eliminating these breeding areas, this will resolve part of the problem. Personal care and commercial protection sprays can provide a defense for those whose exposure potential is high. SR:05:117 West Nile City Council Report