Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease first reported in the United States in New York during the summer of 1999. Since then the virus has spread westward to other states, including California.

WNV is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito to birds and other animals, including humans. Most humans infected with the WNV will not get sick. People who are infected may experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of the people infected become severely ill.

Berkeley Lab Facilities' Grounds Department actively participates in a mosquito abatement program every year consisting of crews investigating all reports of standing water on Lab property and regularly checking and discharging areas of known water collection.

Within the natural watershed areas, water flows at a rate that does not support a breeding ground for mosquitoes. But due to the additional natural moisture and vegetation, these areas do attract a lot of mosquitoes. It is recommended that employees avoid these areas or take the recommended precautions.

Protect yourself by:

• avoiding spending time outside at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active
• wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors
• applying insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions
• eliminating all sources of standing water and use mosquito fish in ponds
• reporting any dead birds to the WNV toll-free hot line, 877-WNV-BIRD.
• contacting the Berkeley Lab Work Request Center at x6274 so that the bird can be secured by the Grounds Department until the authorities can respond and investigate.