Dear Editor:
You can’t pick up a newspaper, turn on the radio or watch
television news today without hearing about the rapid spread of
West Nile Virus.
Dear Editor:
You can’t pick up a newspaper, turn on the radio or watch television news today without hearing about the rapid spread of West Nile Virus. We all know by now that it’s marching across the U.S at an alarming pace, leaving in its wake thousands affected and hundreds dead. But just staying informed is not going to solve the problem. We will all still be at risk. Changing our attitudes about the dangers of mosquitoes and taking action against them is what ultimately will make the difference for us all.
In the same way that we were once complacent about the dangers of drunk driving, kids and drugs or the brutal effects of breast cancer, we, as a nation, are faced with another threat to our well being. Until now, we’ve read about, but many of us have not taken personal action to help stop the spread of West Nile Virus and other diseases, such as encephalitis and Dengue Fever that are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Clearly, mosquitoes are now a public health threat, and we all need to pay attention to the risks. To take action in the fight against the public health dangers of mosquitoes, learn what your community is doing to control mosquitoes. Ask your neighbors what they are doing. Then take an active role in protecting yourself, your families, your neighbors and your community by employing the recommended prevention measure.
Remember, everyone must participate to effectively reduce mosquito populations. Most important of all, do something. When it comes to the serious health risks posed by mosquitoes, there is zero room for complacency.
Cindy Mannes, National Pest Management Association, Virginia
Submitted Friday, June 6 to ed****@****ic.com
