Mosquitoes can transmit many illnesses to humans. However, in the United States, mosquito-borne diseases are limited to:

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis
• St. Louis Encephalitis
• West Nile Encephalitis

The most common, St. Louis Encephalitis, occurs on an average of 200 cases annually. Symptoms of these diseases range from the less serious, such as: fever, headache and drowsiness, to brain inflammation and meningitis. The symptoms can be more severe in the elderly, infants, and immuno-compromised people. Mosquito abatement and control plays an important role in limiting the occurrence of mosquito-borne disease.

Mosquito breeding season is from May through October. Since these insects need water to complete their life cycle, they are most active in and around stagnant water. Department of Health and Human Services' staff provides mosquito surveillance on a weekly basis by monitoring potential breeding sites for mosquito habitation such as ditches, canals, ponds, and neighborhood gutters. Once mosquito habitation is identified, staff applies appropriate control measures.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT INFESTATION:

1. Change pet water bowls
2. Clean clogged roof gutters once a year
3. Clean or chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used
4. Dispose of tin cans, discarded tires, plastic containers
5. Drain or fill low spots in the ground
6. Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers to prevent moisture from collecting
7. Eliminate standing water