Conway Hopes New Ordinance Helps West Nile
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The city of Conway hopes that a new ordinance
will stop people from keeping tires that hold standing water. The
rule is designed to prevent West Nile virus, which is carried by
mosquitoes.
The measure also prohibits "any receptacle or condition" that
holds stagnant water that allows mosquitoes to breed.
Mosquitos acquire the virus from infected birds and transfer it
to humans and animals when they bite.
There is no vaccine or treatment for the virus, which leads to
flu-like symptoms in about a fifth of humans infected. In rare
cases, the virus can cause fatal brain swelling.
In 2003, Arkansas had 26 human cases of West Nile virus but no
deaths. In 2002, the state reported 43 human cases and blamed the
virus for five deaths.
The state Health Department urges Arkansas residents to remove
standing water to help control mosquito populations.
