VC property owners okay mosquito tax, West Nile Virus fears high
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: July 28, 2004
Ventura County property owners overwhelmingly approved an increase in a tax that has been highlighted through the spread of West Nile Virus.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Ventura County property owners overwhelmingly approved an increase in a tax that has been highlighted through the spread of West Nile Virus.
More than 70 percent of landowners voted to raise the mosquito control assessment from $1.12 to an average of $4 per single-family parcel. Approval required a simple majority of voters who received mail ballots. Of the approximately 191,000 ballots mailed about 35 percent were received by the voter deadline.
Although there are other mosquito-borne diseases, the rise in cases of West Nile Virus and the discovery of birds killed by the disease in – three so far in Ventura County – has cast a new spotlight on mosquito control.
Just last week it was announced that a dead crow in Newbury Park tested positive for the West Nile Virus as well as a dead bird found in Simi Valley. In April a dead bird infected with the virus was discovered in Ojai.
California’s first death from the virus – a 57-year-old Orange County man - was reported last week.
Members of the public are being asked to do their part to reduce the mosquito population by eliminating any standing water and to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing mosquito repellents and protective clothing i.e. keeping legs and arms covered with socks pulled up over pant legs. Small mosquito fish that feed on the insects’ larva can control breeding in ornamental ponds, fountains and other water sources, according to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division.
People over 50 and those with autoimmune diseases are at the highest risk for serious cases of West Nile Virus, but fewer than 1 percent of those bitten and infected will become severely ill.
Minor symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, head and body aches, which typically last less than a week. Several infection causes additional symptoms which can include neck stiffness, disorientation and - in rare cases - coma and death.
Although West Nile Virus has not been found to be transmittable from birds to humans or person to person, found dead birds should not be touched with bare hands.
To report dead birds call 1-877-WNV-Bird (1-877-968-2473). To obtain mosquito fish call 662-6582. Mosquito complaints can be reported to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, 654-2816.
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