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Show 8 1 HE M4GNATIMES, VN EST VALLEY NEWS & KEARNS POST April 1, 2004 What Grows IBsMefc, ffieirs fco 1aJsS KloSs 'IfSras B-- Bv ANDREW WEEKS Staff Writer After long months of snowfall, spring has finally sprung. And while summer is right around the comer, which heralds sunshine and playtime, it also means mosquito time. What's more, with the West Nile Virus having entered the Beehive state last year, summertime also means a season of caution. "It's difficult to predict the second year," stated Steve McDonald, spokesman for the Utah of Health Department (UDOH). "After having entered a state, West Nile Virus is usually much worse the second year." West Nile Virus, originally found in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia was detected in the United States in 1999, and in Utah with one human case in August 2003. A breed of mosquitoes called Culex carries the disease, which ranges from flulike symptoms to more serious ailments, including permanent neurological prob- spraying to kill mosquito larvae. However, sprays are not permanently effective. "The Magna Park is a big hangout for mosquitoes (in the summertime)," Lusty continued. "We'll spray that park one day, but the next day there'll be mosquitoes again." are most Mosquitoes active from June through September, with prime biting time between dusk and daw'n. Not knowing how big of a problem the virus will be this season, people need to be aware of the things they can do to protect themselves. Here are a few suggestions: Wear long pants and shirts when outside. Use mosquito repellent containing an element called DEET on exposed skin and clothing. 'Products containing DEET last longer and are more effective," Korth said. (Caution: Do not use long-sleev- ed DEET on children under two months old. Use 10 percent concentration on children between two months and 12 years.) Look for and eliminate standing water on or near property. "With a lot of families doing spring cleaning, now is a good time for people to get rid of stagnant water on their property," Korth noted. Keep weeds and grass cut short (mosquitoes hide in these shady places during daytime hours). Make sure household screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home. And don't forget about the little ones: use netting to cover strollers. Korth said WNV effects mostly the young and the elderly. Lusty said people should be concerned and cautious this summer, and take precautions to protect themselves. But without belit tling the problem, he said people need not be overly anxious about catching the disease. In all. West Nile infections in people are rare, notes the CDC. But that doesn't stop the issue from being on people's minds, especially since the virus effects each person differently. Lusty said. "We're all a bit nervous about it," he added. "We don't want to get hit like Colorado did last year." According to the CDC, Colorado saw 14 WNV cases in 2002, the year the disease was detected in that state. In its second year, had however, Colorado 45 cases and deaths. 2,477 For more information on mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus,' contact the Utah Department of Health or your local mosquito abatement district. Also visit w'ww.health. utah.govwnv and www.cdc.govncidod-dvbidwestnil- e index.htm. fl Vegetables Don't w ait until May to plant cold hardy flowers and vegetables. Many varieties of these are hardy to 25 degrees or colder, and perform best in cooler weather. We recommend that you plant a third of your garden in March, a third in April and a third in parsnips etc.; Other lead include lettuce, crops spinach, Swiss chard, etc.; Peas; Onions, Potatoes; Tomatoes, however, plant tomatoes only w ith protection. Remember, the average last date of frost in the valley is around May 10. col-lard- May. Choose your varieties carefully, based on disease resistance, productivity, and Utah State University recommendations. Cold include: hardy vegetables Asparagus; Cabbage and cabbage family: broccoli, Brussels cauliflower, and radicchio, etc.; sprouts All root crops: beets, carrots, radishes, turnips. Do you have Darren Hall is a Utah Certified Nursery Professional and has worked for Western Garden for 25 years. Hall teaches a continuing education course in gardening at Hunter High School. a news tip? Call 250-565- 6 lems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one of every 150 people infected with the virus will develop serious side effects, such as fever, severe headache, muscle upset stomach, weakness and change in mental status. UDOH epidemiologist Michelle Korth said the state is doing massive planning to fight the virus in Utah in the 2004 season. "We're preparing for the worst but hoping for the best," she noted. Planning includes public education, mosquito surveillance and working closely with other agencies, including the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Abatement Mosquito District In fact, the state has agreed to pay $500,000 to construct temporary mosquito abatement districts in 10 Utah counties. Individuals and families need also prepare themselves against the West Nile Virus, Evan explained Lusty, manager of the Magna Mosquito Abatement District "A lot of people are raising their own mosquitoes in their backyards and don't even know it," he said. "People need to get rid of the stagnant and sitting water on their property." Standing water attracts mosquitoes and allows a place for them to lay their larvae. Lusty said children's wading pools, wash buckets and leaky hoses andor swamp coolers are all potential breeding places. Carried by mosquitoes, WNV is often first detected in migratory birds, such as ravens and crows. The disease also is deadly for horses, and both Lusty and Korth said people with horses should talk to their local veterinarian about getting a vaccine for their animals. Though there currently is no vaccine for humans, tnere is one for horses. "People need to know that if their horses come down with the virus, they'll die," Lusty said. "People need to talk to their vets about getting a vaccine." Lusty said the Magna district, which has a budget of $45,000, has already begun work on its end, doing weekly testing for the virus at local chicken farms and other surveillance work. The district has also started Great savings. 0 All wm '.' fy a of your commi ( v''yv UGUD. 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