Friday, July 23, 2010
MWA teaming with Health Department to stop West Nile Virus Activity
Some simple tips around the house can help
Some of the ways to prevent West Nile Virus activity include emptying water holding containers and not allowing water to stand in bird baths, which could provide a breeding ground for potentially harmful mosquitoes.
The Macon Water Authority is teaming with the Macon-Bibb County Health Department to stop West Nile Virus activity this summer.
Some quick tips for customers and citizens to remember include:
• Emptying water holding containers on your property, including metal cans and pots, as well as old tires that need disposing. Drill additional holes in recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Clean clogged gutters and drains to make sure they are free of debris, and turn over plastic wading pools, outdoor toys, and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Do not allow water to stand in birdbaths, and change them three times per week to prevent mosquito breeding. Also, aerate ponds or stock them with mosquito eating fish.
• Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated, while making sure to remove standing water from pool covers.
• Finally, use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
MWA customers should remember the universal rule to prevent the West Nile Virus from reaching Macon and Bibb County: when in doubt, dump it out!
For more information on West Nile Virus prevention, contact the Macon-Bibb County Health Department at 478-745-0411.
Media contact:
Chris Wood, Ph.D.
770-757-1681 (cell)
jcwood@uga.edu (email)