August 16, 2019
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – During routine trapping this week by the St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection, a sample from adult mosquitoes has tested positive for the West Nile virus. Officials say there is no cause for alarm, but that this finding serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant in efforts to prevent mosquito bites by wearing repellent when outdoors and to remove standing water from homes and yards.
“Because of the amount of rain we’ve had this season, our staff has done more targeting than usual of known habitat areas,” says Ryan Tilley, Director for the Division of Environmental Health and Protection, “including spraying and water treatment in order to minimize the development of adult mosquitoes. We have been trapping mosquitoes throughout St. Charles County all summer, and this is the first positive result we have had this year. Our plan now is to increase our treatment protocols to control the virus spread. Residents can help by eliminating potential breeding grounds around their homes.”
The Division of Environmental Health and Protection contracts with several county municipalities through its Mosquito Control Program to minimize mosquito populations and decrease the risk of mosquito-borne disease. The program works to control immature and adult mosquitoes by seeking out and eliminating breeding sites and by using biological controls or insecticides. Staff treat common habitat areas to minimize adult and larval populations of mosquitoes.
If you would like to request treatment in your area, and you live in unincorporated St. Charles County or within the city limits of Augusta, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Flint Hill, Lake Saint Louis, Portage des Sioux, St. Paul, Weldon Spring, Weldon Spring Heights and Wentzville, please use our online treatment service at sccmo.org/Mosquito. If you live within the city limits of O’Fallon, St. Charles or St. Peters, please contact your city hall regarding mosquito abatement and local spraying efforts.
To minimize exposure to mosquito bites and related illnesses residents should follow these precautions:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR355 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to manufacturer’s guidelines when outdoors. Remember to apply sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply repellent. Reapply repellent as necessary.
- Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and consider treating clothing with permethrin products.
- Limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active – dusk and dawn.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
About West Nile Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 states — including Missouri and Illinois — have reported West Nile virus activity (as of Aug. 6). Human cases of West Nile virus usually display symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, vomiting, and rash. For additional information on the West Nile virus, please visit sccmo.org/WestNileVirus.
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About the St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection
Throughout the year, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection works with residents, area businesses and local organizations to promote healthy conditions in St. Charles County. The division inspects and licenses public service providers, operates a robust recycling program and implements the county’s mosquito control measures. To learn how the division helps to ensure the community’s well-being please call 636-949-1800 or visit sccmo.org/environmental.
About the St. Charles County Department of Public Health
Through the efforts of its three divisions — Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services — the St. Charles County Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services that enhance the well-being of the community. To learn how the department assists this region or to find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the divisions, visit sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400.
About St. Charles County
Founded in 1812, St. Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri, and the state’s third largest county in both population and economic share. It is home to 15 scenic county parks, encompassing more than 3,643 acres with additional land under development and more in reserve for future development.
With a population of 395,504, St. Charles County is home to large employers including General Motors, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide and Boeing. It is ranked among the top 25 counties in the nation in high-tech job growth by the Progressive Policy Institute and consistently has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metropolitan St. Louis area.
St. Charles County employs more than 1,100 in more than 30 departments and offices, who work to make the county an excellent place to live, work and shop. For more information, please visit sccmo.org.