Thank you for seeking information on this growing problem.

 
From the Center for Disease Conrol, information on insect repellents:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm

WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION IN ARIZONA
Virus del Oeste del Nilo: Preguntas y Respuestas:
http://www.azdhs.gov/spanish_index.htm

Pima County Health Department's West Nile Hotline: 520-243-7999

Arizona's West Nile Virus 24-hour hotline: 800-314-9243
( 602-364-4500 Phoenix Metro)

May we suggest you read John Begeman's article on how to control mosquitoes. (from the Arizona Daily Star)

The Basics:
The West Nile Virus is a virus that lives in mosquitoes and birds. However, humans bitten by a mosquito infected with the disease can sometimes be infected with the virus. Some mosquitoes in Arizona are infected with the West Nile Virus and if one of these infected mosquito bites you, there is a small chance you could become ill. That means that we all need to work together to prevent mosquitoes from breeding:

• Eliminate standing water, which allows mosquitoes to breed.
• Check for conditions outside the home that may provide potential for mosquito breeding, such as poorly maintained swimming pools, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers with water.
• Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses.

INFORMATION:
"Fight The Bite": Basic Facts to Help You Avoid the West Nile Virus (English and Spanish)
http://www.pimahealth.org/disease/wnv/wnvtips.pdf

black & white version:
http://www.pimahealth.org/disease/wnv/wnvtipsbw.pdf

More basic facts, how the virus is transmitted, and other useful links:
http://www.pimahealth.org/disease/wnv/wnv2.htm

Are Mosquitoes Bugging You? Practical Solutions to a Common Problem
(from Tucson Water)
http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/stormwater/education/mos1.htm

Managing Mosquitoes
http://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/docs/managing.pdf

Symptoms and Treatment of West Nile Virus:
http://www.westnileaz.com/

Current West Nile Virus Activity in Arizona (in English and Spanish):
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&control04Maps.htm
also: http://www.westnileaz.com/pdf/state.pdf
http://westnilemaps.usgs.gov/az_human.html

Reporting Dead Birds:
West Nile virus can cause illness and death in a wide variety of bird species. For this reason, public health officials are interested in testing dead birds for surveillance purposes. To report dead birds and mosquito problems in Pima County call 520-740-3191. Local health officials will provide more information on how and where to submit birds for testing.

Please check back here for more information and links.

 

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Materials last updated on April 12, 2007 Located at http://cals.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/westNile.html Pima County Master Gardener Webmaster (Website-related Questions and Comments): Linda G. Drew © 2001-2007 Arizona Board of Regents. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. reserved.