Mission Statement: To protect and promote continual improvement
of environmental health in the county through the use of sound, progressive
approaches to responsible development and use of the environment.
Division Goals & Objectives:
·Incorporate new rules and regulations in
a manner which minimizes any negative impacts, and maximizes
advantages for the community
·Advance the use of state of the art technologies to improve
efficiency and availability of data for public benefit
·Maintain highly qualified, efficient, and service oriented
staff
·Increase cooperative interactions with community members,
organizations, and agencies
Help reduce the Risk of West Nile Virus and other Mosquito-borne
Diseases in Santa Cruz County.
As of October 2008, West Nile Virus has NOT been identified in humans in
Santa Cruz County. West nile is again expected to spread to Arizona sometime in
the next few months, or next year. It is spread over large distances
via migratory birds. The virus can be transmitted to a person only by
a mosquito that was previously infected by an infected bird. The risk
of individuals becoming infected is very low, and can be further
reduced by following the guidelines below.
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes by taking these simple steps to
eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes.
1. Get rid of all standing water in your yard. Check your yard 2 or 3
times per week, especially after rains, and remove water from cans,
bottles, buckets, old tires, or anything that will hold water. Even ¼
inch of water on top of a can lid can allow mosquitoes to breed.
2. Repair leaky faucets that can cause puddles, and make sure rain
gutters are not clogged.
3. Change water in flower vases, planters, and animal water bowls 2 or
3 times week.
4. Keep grass and weeds cut short.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these precautions.
1. Use insect repellants. Repellants containing D.E.E.T. are
considered most effective. Always follow label instructions,
especially when treating children.
2. Wear lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs (long-sleeves
and long pants).
3. Avoid being outdoors in the late afternoon and evening hours when
mosquitoes are most active.
Additional Mosquito and West Nile Virus Information
