West Nile Virus Found In D.C. Area Mosquitoes

The Prince William County's Mosquito Control Program is reporting a test group of the insects collected earlier this month tested positive for the virus. They were found in the northern Woodbridge, Lake Ridge area. Health officials are cautioning people to try to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes.

The D.C. Health Department discovered the virus in mosquitoes collected from North Cleveland Park, as well as in the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan areas.

Among the recommendations: wear long, loose and light-colored clothing; get rid of standing water in your yard; and use insect repellent containing DEET.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes, via D.C. Department of Health

• Dispose of cans, bottles and open containers properly. Store items for recycling in covered containers.

• Remove discarded tires. Drill drainage holes in tires used on playground equipment.

• Clean roof gutters and downspouts regularly. Eliminate standing water from flat roofs.

• Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, and canoes when not in use.

• Cover waste containers with tight-fitting lids; never allow lids or cans to accumulate water.

• Flush bird baths and potted plant trays twice each week.

• Adjust tarps over grills, firewood piles, boats or swimming pools to eliminate small pockets of water from standing several days.

• Re-grade low areas where water stands; clean debris in ditches to eliminate standing water in low spots.

• Maintain swimming pools, clean and chlorinate them as needed, aerate garden ponds and treat with “mosquito dunks” found at hardware stores.

• Fix dripping water faucets outside and eliminate puddles from air conditioners.

• Store pet food and water bowls inside when not in use.