• Most larval surveillance has been temporarily suspended. All efforts have been directed towards treating catch basins. Approximately 5,500 catch basins have been treated to date, the remaining 3,000 will be treated over the next few weeks.
•  Mosquito trapping efforts have shown decreasing numbers of adult mosquitoes all over the city. The number of different mosquito species has also decreased to normal levels. One sample of mosquitoes tested positive for Easter Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in late July. The positive test confirms the presence of EEE in the city limits. There is a vaccine to protect horses, but not for humans. The Portsmouth Health Department recommends the following tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
  • Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
  • Make sure window and door screens in your home are functional and in place.
  • Use insect repellent products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency such as products containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When using a product containing DEET, no more than 50 percent DEET should be used for adults and less than 30 percent should be used for children. Follow instructions when using insect repellents.
  • Turn over, drain, or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.
  • Fill in or drain root-ball holes (from downed trees) or any depression that holds water for more than a week.
  • Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs, and in boats.
  • Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
  • Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly.

For additional, please call or visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at www.vdh.virginia.gov.

• Mosquito spray activities are scheduled based on trap counts. For information about spray activities call 393-8666 and press 1 when prompted.