LANE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MOSQUITO AND TICK SURVEILLANCE IN FULL SWING

News Release from Lane Co. Government
Posted on FlashAlert: June 29th, 2023 6:00 AM

Summer is officially here, and so are the mosquitos and ticks that accompany the warm weather here in the Willamette Valley. Since Lane County does not spray to minimize vector (mosquitos, ticks) populations, Lane County Environmental Health (LCEH) utilizes trapping and surveillance, as well as community education to reduce the likelihood of vector-borne illnesses in humans and animals.

The LCEH Vector Surveillance program sets traps at vector “hot spots” around Lane County, collects the samples, sorts them by species, and finally sends the sample to a lab that is able to detect the presence of pathogens like West Nile Virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, and Lyme Disease. When these pathogens are detected, LCEH notifies the community.

“The surveillance program helps us detect the presence of diseases which may be harmful to humans and animals, as well as informs us as to the changing demographics of vector species,” said Lane County Environmental Health Supervisor, Erik Nebeker. “Much like the restaurant inspections we preform, it’s designed to safeguard the many communities of Lane County from preventable illness.”

West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease and anaplasmosis have historically been detected in Lane County, underscoring the importance of prevention efforts.

To prevent exposure to mosquitos, LCEH recommends:

• When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET. DEET-free alternatives, such as lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella, are also effective.
• Mosquito species that carry West Nile Virus are most active from dusk to dawn. Mosquito species that carry Zika are most active during daylight hours. Use insect repellent and wear covered clothing (long-sleeves, pants, etc.), or stay indoors during those times.
• Inspect your home to ensure that mosquitos are unable to enter (windows are protected with covered screens, no openings to outside, etc.)
• Empty any standing water containers (flower pots, buckets, rain gutters, etc.)
• Change water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly.

To prevent exposure to ticks, LCEH recommends:

-Wearing a tick repellent. 

-Wearing long pants when hiking, especially through tall grass or brush.

-avoid touching grass/branches hanging over trails.

-Screening for ticks immediately after a hike or after being in a wooded area or grassland.