Mosquito Control Program
This page covers the following topics:
Overview
Delta's Mosquito Control Program is administered by Climate Action & Environment and operated by an outside contractor. If you have a complaints or an inquiry, contact Climate Action & Environment at (604) 946-3253. All issues are referred to the contractor to handle. Public lands that contain breeding areas for mosquitoes are investigated and sprayed with applicable pesticides, if necessary, to eliminate the growth of mosquito larvae.
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West Nile Virus
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a bird-borne infection spread by mosquitoes. WNV is commonly found in Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia and the northern Mediterranean area. The first North American cases of WNV occurred in New York City in 1999. WNV has since spread to all continental U.S. states and much of Canada. WNV has not yet been detected in British Columbia, but it is expected that the virus will eventually make its way to B.C.
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How is it spread?
WNV is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes pick up the virus from feeding on infected birds. Not all mosquitoes or birds carry WNV. Out of approximately 50 species of mosquitoes in B.C., only a few species are effective carriers of WNV. Even in WNV-infected areas, the virus is found in less than one percent of all mosquitoes. WNV cannot be transmitted through regular human contact.
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What are the symptoms of WNV?
The majority of people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms and are not at risk for health problems. Others experience mild flu-like symptoms. In areas of North America where WNV has become established, less than one percent of people infected with WNV will develop a serious illness, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and paralysis.
The overall risk for serious illness increases with age. If illness occurs, it usually happens five to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
For more information on the possible health impacts of WNV, please visit the Fraser Health Authority website or contact the B.C. Nurseline at (604) 215-4700.
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What is the treatment for WNV?
There is no medication or cure for WNV, but many of the symptoms of the disease can be treated. Most people who are infected make a full recovery. There is no vaccine at this time.
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How do I protect myself from WNV?
The best defense is prevention to minimize mosquito bites. This includes:
- Eliminating any sources of standing water around your home or business;
- Wearing light coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors;
- Limiting your outdoor activity at dusk and dawn;
- Using insect repellant containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and follow all instructions for use;
- Installing screens in windows and doors.
For more information, please see the WNV information brochure { pdf 220KB } produced by the Fraser Health Authority and The Corporation of Delta.
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What should I do if I find a dead Crow or Jay?
Birds in the corvid family (crows, ravens, magpies, blue jays and stellar jays) are more susceptible to WNV than most other bird species and the Fraser Health Authority have a monitoring program to test dead corvids for WNV. If you have sighted a dead crow, raven or jay in the Fraser Health area, please call 1-888-WNV-LINE (1-888-968-5463). For more information, please visit the Fraser Health website.
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What is Delta doing about WNV?
The Corporation of Delta is actively involved in mosquito monitoring and treatment programs for nuisance mosquito control and for reducing the risk of WNV transmission in the following ways:
- Through our environmental services contractor who specializes in mosquito control, Delta monitors potential breeding sites on public lands and controls mosquito larvae with a biological larvicide.
- Delta conducts larviciding of municipal catch basins and storm drains along roadsides throughout the municipality.
- Delta has mapped potential mosquito breeding areas in Delta Parks and is treating these with larvicide.
- Delta also inspects and treats potential breeding sites on Provincial Highways rights-of-way and other Crown Lands in Delta through funding provided by the Provincial Government.
- Delta partners with the Fraser Health Authority to distribute WNV information through the annual tax notices that are sent to every residential, commercial and industrial property owner in Delta. This information is also available at the local Libraries in Delta.
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Contact Information
To report a dead crow or jay or to learn more about WNV contact:
Fraser Health Authority
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-WNV-LINE (1-888-968-5463)
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthTopics/CommunicableDiseases/WestNile/Pages/Protection.aspx
B.C. Centre for Disease Control
Phone: (604) 660-0584
www.bccdc.org
For more information on WNV symptoms and general health information contact:
B.C. Nurseline
Phone: (604) 215-4700
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-215-4700
To learn more about mosquito management in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) contact:
Metro Vancouver
http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/wnv/Pages/default.aspx
For other inquiries, please contact the Corporation of Climate Action & Environment Division at (604) 946-3253 or email climatechange@corp.delta.bc.ca.
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