Long Beach Health Department Provides Safety Tips on Controlling Mosquitos
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~ As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is encouraging everyone to take steps to reduce mosquito activity around their property. With this year's intense rainfall, mosquito activity is expected to increase this summer.

Mayor Rex Richardson said, "I encourage everyone to wear insect repellant outside and take steps to reduce mosquito activity around their property." Mosquito bites can cause more than skin irritation as they can transmit germs when they bite. Diseases linked to mosquitoes include West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus, malaria and viruses that cause encephalitis (brain inflammation and swelling).

The Health Department has provided a list of steps people can take in order to reduce the threat of mosquitoes: look for containers that can hold water and make sure those remain dry and empty; clean and scrub bird baths and outdoor pet water bowls at least once a week; dump water from potted plant saucers; ensure that water-related play areas (kiddie pools, water slides, etc.) are emptied after play and are scrubbed out at least once a week; clean and chlorinate swimming pools and drain water from pool covers; limit the watering of lawns and outdoor plants; install screens on doors and windows; use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET to prevent mosquito bites.

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City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis said, "By following these simple actions, you can prevent unwanted bites and, more importantly, potential exposure to the many diseases carried by mosquitos. The warm weather has already started, and Southern California's beautiful weather means we have about six months of mosquito season ahead."

To report mosquito activity people can call the Long Beach Mosquito Hotline at 562.570.4132 or submit an online report at longbeach.gov/mosquitoes or report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health by calling 1.877.WNV.BIRD or online at westnile.ca.gov . People can find more information about mosquitoes including additional prevention tips by visiting longbeach.gov/health or by following the Health Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram .

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