Yelena Ovcharenko
Staff Writer
As the fall semester unfolds at the University of La Verne, the facilities and management department is doing its best to minimize the threats of the West Nile Virus on campus.
The California Department of Health Services reported that 15 people have died and 523 have tested positive for the West Nile Virus this year in California.
Despite the gradual increase in deaths, the diligent work of government and federal control agencies and the awareness of residents have prevented the West Nile Virus from becoming an epidemic.
“Facilities Management has taken steps to help minimize any areas that may prove to be mosquito breeding grounds on campus,” Robert Beebe from the Facilities Management Department said in a statement.
West Nile Virus is generally transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites.
“Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds,” the California Department of Health Services said in a statement.
Mosquitoes are most likely to breed in puddles of stagnant water. Puddles that result from irrigation are not a threat because the water soaks into the ground by the end of the day, Beebe said.
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and sunrise. The Facilities and Management Department asks everyone at ULV to take extra caution when outdoors at these times.
An excellent way to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes is by wearing insect repellents that contain DEET; a concentration of 30 percent lasts for about five hours. All are encouraged to engage in outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.
ULV students took precautions as well.
“If I see swampy water, I avoid it,” senior liberal studies major Morgan Delaney said.
Surrounding cities have taken precautions to the West Nile Virus as well.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District are providing mosquito and vector control services to the cities of Baldwin Park, South Pasadena and other cities.
Residents of these communities are encouraged to contact the district to report adult mosquito problems, gutters that continuously hold water, “green” inoperable pools, spas, ponds and fountains said Kelly Middleton, education specialist for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, in a statement.
Crows are at an elevated risk of being infected by mosquitoes and that a safe distance should be kept away from crows that are on the ground. Before a crow dies it wanders and stumbles around lethargically, Beebe said.
ULV students, like sophomore behavioral science major Evelyn Frias, admits to recently seeing dead crows in her Pomona neighborhood.
Freshman Susan Steinbaugh says she spotted several dead crows in Covina. The girls recall wondering why there were an unusual amount of dead crows around.
Later on as the media reported the virus, they were able to link the eerie scenes to the West Nile Virus.
“This is, without a doubt, the most significant issue we have ever faced,” said Steve West, general manager for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. “We are doing everything in our power to protect our residents from West Nile virus-it is our single, most important focus right now.”
Despite the growing number of infections and deaths, most people infected with the West Nile Virus will not experience any symptoms. About 20 percent of those infected experience only mild to moderate symptoms, such as fevers, headaches and body aches.
Less than one percent of individuals will develop serious neurological illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis.
The elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness, said the California Department of Health Services in a statement.
“If everyone exercises a moderate level of vigilance, we should all have a successful year,” Beebe said.
Most students rate the West Nile Virus at a moderate level.
“It hasn’t really happened here,” sophomore sociology major Natalie Camacho said. “We’re not as exposed to it.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District also offer free mosquito fish for outdoor ponds or water gardens.
Informational brochures on the West Nile Virus can be found in city hall, libraries, police and fire stations and other public areas.
If you observe an area you feel may be a problem, please report it to Facilities Management at Ext. 4340.
Yelena Ovcharenko can be reached at yovcharenko@ulv.edu.
