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West Nile Virus and Cemeteries |
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Source: Greg Clark, Unit Educator, Crop Systems, 815/772-4075 West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious problem in Illinois. However, awareness of the disease has helped reduce the incidence of illness. In 2004, the number of West Nile human cases in Illinois fell dramatically with just 60 reported and four deaths, compared to 62 fatalities and 877 non-fatal cases in 2002. West Nile virus activity in 2004 was detected in 62 Illinois counties. The most common vector of the WNV is the house mosquito (Culex pipiens), which breeds in standing water in as little as 7 days. One of the best controls for mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water in gutters, old tires, buckets and cans, ditches and puddles. Cemetery vases used for flowers can be containers perfect for the mosquito eggs to hatch, larvae develop and adult mosquitoes emerge, especially as the water stagnates. It is important to make sure that flower vase water is changed every three days, or the arrangement discarded after a few days. Generally, flower preservatives do not provide any insecticidal activity to kill the developing mosquitoes. Artificial flowers and foliage may be an alternative to fresh plant material. However, make sure containers and vases are pierced at the bottom to allow rainwater to drain out. Be aware that cemetery personnel may establish policies and procedures that will remove containers of fresh flowers within a few days to eliminate the potential for mosquito breeding areas. by Editor, theCity1.com |
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