Environmental Health Services
The Bureau of Environmental Health Services is responsible
for administering environmental programs and services to reduce
the incidence of environmental conditions which may adversely
impact the health, safety and well being of the citizens of
Norfolk. Enforcement of applicable city and state statues
and codes occurs through public education efforts as well
as through legal actions.
For more information about Environmental
Health Services 683-2712.
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Food Establishment
and Institutional Programs
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General Environmental
Programs
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Fee Chart of Services
Links:
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
VMCA
Virgina Mosquito Control Association
EPA-Environmental
Protection Agency-Pesticides
VDACS-Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
USGS
Maps
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Food Service Managers Educational Programs
A Certified Food Service Manager is required
at most food service establishments. The certification process
occurs when individuals demonstrate through a certification
program that they have met specified food safety knowledge
standards. The Certified Food Manager is responsible for monitoring
and managing all food establishment operations and is authorized
to take appropriate preventive and corrective actions. This
individual is knowledgeable about foodborne disease prevention,
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles,
and Code requirements and is prepared to take actions to ensure
that the Code's objectives are met. The Bureau of Environmental
Health offers classes for Manager Certification and Manager
Re certification throughout the year. The Certified Food Managers
Card is valid for 3 years and should be renewed prior to expiration.
Managers that have been certified in another city or have
successfully completed an approved course in food protection
and who wish to work in Norfolk shall register in Norfolk
by showing certification documents and by paying a transfer
fee. The cost for this course is $150.00. For more information
call 683-2712 or click
here for class information and schedules.
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Food Handlers Educational Programs
Individuals who work with unpackaged and/or
packaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food contact
surfaces are required to possess a food service (handlers)
card. Food service cards are required prior to employment
and are valid for 2 years. A food service card issued by another
city may be honored. The cost for this course is $10.00. Click
here for information on Food Service Cards.
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Food Protection
The Bureau of Environmental Health Food Protection
Program is responsible for the permitting and inspection of
retail and institutional food facilities. These include restaurants,
convenience stores, groceries, public and private schools,
universities, homes for adults, nursing homes, day care centers,
hospitals, jail and detention facilities, mobile vendors and
push carts, religious institutions. Facilities are inspected
throughout the year to determine compliance with federal,
state, and local regulations with the goal of protection from
foodborne illness and communicable disease. Complaints regarding
food establishments are investigated with priority response
given to both citizen complaints of foodborne illness and
complaints concerning substantial hazards to the public health.
To register a complaint, please call (757) 683-2712.
Chapter 18 of the Norfolk City code governing Food Establishments
can be accessed at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
The 2001 FDA Model Food Code can be accessed at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fc01-toc.html.
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Foodborne Illness Investigation
 "Foodborne illness in the United States
is a major cause of personal distress, preventable death,
and avoidable economic burden" as stated by the Food
and Drug Administration. It has been estimated that from 6.5
to 33 million people become ill from microorganisms in food,
resulting in as many as 9,000 needless deaths every year.
The wide range in cases of foodborne illness is due to the
uncertainty about the number that go unreported. The annual
cost of foodborne illness in terms of pain and suffering,
reduced productivity, and medical costs is estimated to be
in the billions of dollars.
The Bureau of Environmental Health responds to all reports
of suspected foodborne illnesses implicating food sold or
served in Norfolk. Signs and symptoms vary, but common symptoms
include vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Most cases
of foodborne illness last between 24-48 hours. Symptoms generally
appear between 2 to 36 hours after eating the suspected food.
Most cases are single cases and not associated with large
outbreaks; however, many times the health department hears
about outbreaks involving groups attending the same function.
To file a complaint concerning a food realted illness,
call 683-2712. For additional information on foodborne
illnesses go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/food/index.htm
or http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/.
Our goals are to identify the foods responsible for the illness,
collect accurate and complete information from the persons
involved, collect samples of the suspected food, when possibe
and appropriate, identify possible contributing factors, correct
the improper food handling practices that may have contributed
to the illness.
When reporting a suspected foodborne illness,
the following information will be needed: name, address, phone
number complainant, where suspect meal or food item was obtained,
the facility's address and any contact people, date and time
meal comsumed, a 72 hour food history (to include all foods
eaten and beverages consumed in the 3 days prior to the first
sign of illness), names and phone numbers of others that have
become ill, onset of symptoms, description of symptoms, any
medical contact. To register a complaint, please call (757)
683-2712. Click here for foodborne illness complaint form.
Additional information on foodborne illnesses can be found
at food safety sites noted in the links section.
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Food Establishment Plan Review
Plans and specifications for new and remodeled
food establishments are reviewed in order to determine compliance
with the rules and regulations governing food establishments
using federal, state, and local guidelines. A floor plan,
which includes an equipment layout and finish schedule as
well as menu, should be submitted prior to any construction.
Plans shall be reviewed prior to issuance of building permits
by the city code official. For additional information you
may call (757) 683-2712.
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Tattoo Parlors Permit
For more information call 683-2712.
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Tourist Establishments
Tourist Establishments include hotels, motels,
bed and breakfasts, summer camps and campgrounds. These facilities
are inspected to determine compliance with health and safety
laws, governed by Commonwealth of Virginia Rules and Regulations,
and to initiate enforcement procedures when necessary. Permits
are issued annually for the lodging facility. Additional permits
may be issued for on site restaurants, continental breakfasts,
swimming pools and spas. Call (757) 683-2712 for further
information.
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Mobile Vendors and Push Carts
Mobile food preparation units, which include
mobile vendor units and push carts are vehicles used for a
variety of food preparation activities. These units must operate
daily from a commissary in order to facilitate cleaning and
servicing operations, food storage and renewal of supplies.
This also includes the flushing and draining of liquid waste
to an approved sewerage system and water servicing equipment
that is approved. With this said a commissary is a location,
designed for the sanitary storage and servicing needs of the
mobile units. Approved commissaries hold valid health permits
and receive regular inspections. The vendor shall obtain written
permission authorizing their use of the approved commissary
and shall provide that to the health department. In order
to promote the safe and sanitary handling of food, these mobile
units are inspected, as are their commissaries. They may be
limited in what they can offer due to equipment restrictions.
Mobile Vendors and Pushcarts are required to also purchase
a tracking decal, which needs to be revalidated each year.
They may be restricted to particular areas of the city due
to land use and zoning requirements. Annual state permit fee
is $40.00. Additional $30 annual local decal tracking fee.
For more information call 683-2712.
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Temporary Food Service and Outdoor Events
Temporary permits are issued for food booths
operating at a single event or celebration, such as a fair,
carnival, or festival. If the food is not prepared and handled
in a sanitary manner, the public's health may be at risk.
The attached safe food handling guidelines designed to protect
the public health and an application is provided. Please complete
the application and submit for review. The fee for this service
is $40.00. Call (757) 683-2712 for further information.
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Outdoors Dining
Outdoors dining is regulated under Chapter
18 of the City of Norfolk Food Establishment regulations.
The city of Norfolk also has requirements that need to be
met for outdoors dining. For more information call 683-2712
or see the codes section.
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Barber and Beauty Shops
Barber and Beauty culture operations, nail,
tanning and electrolysis operations are covered under Chapter
7 of the Norfolk City Code. The art of enhancing human hair
or skin via such practices as cosmetology, which includes
braiding, electrolysis or tanning, define a beauty culture
operation. Anyone interested in opening a cosmetology business
shall first submit a floor plan to the Bureau of Environmental
Health for his or her review. Once approved construction may
begin after obtaining appropriate city building permits. Salons
are inspected twice a year, to determine that licensed staff
are performing work, that the shop has its state license to
operate, and that sanitary and safe operating practices are
in place. Chapter 7 of the Norfolk City Code governs the Barbering
and Beauty ordinance and can be viewed at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
The State Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology license cosmetologists,
barbers, apprentices, and nail technicians.
Click here for information. (http://www.state.va.us/dpor/bnc_main.htm).
Call 683-2712 for more information.
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Health Parlors
Health Parlors are establishments that provide
services such as exercise, massage, steam baths, hot tub or
spas or swimming pools. Submission of a floor plan is required.
Once operating, these facilities are inspected for health
and safety issues. Spas and Swimming pools are separately
permitted and are inspected frequently to assure that they
are operated in a safe and sanitary condition. The fee for
this service is $30.00. Click here for Public Swimming Pools
and Spa application. Chapter 21 of the Norfolk City Code governs
Health Parlors and can be viewed at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
For more information call 683-2712.
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Massage Therapy
Massage Therapists have a minimum of 500
hours of training in massage therapy from a school accredited
by the Board of Education, Division of Proprietary Schools.
Massage Therapists may also obtain certification from Department
of Health Professionals, Board of Nursing. Upon review of
documentation, massage therapists are issued a certificate
from the Director of Public Health. Click here for information
and application. Chapter 21 of the Norfolk City Code governs
Health Parlors and can be viewed at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
For more information call 683-2712.
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Milk Sanitation
The Milk Sanitation program involves counter
freezers (frozen yogurt or shake machines) and dairies and
milk processing plants. Counter freezers are inspected, procedures
are reviewed and samples of frozen desserts are taken to ensure
the safety of the product. Products can be taken off the market
if laboratory results show bacterial contamination. Dairies
are inspected for sanitation and operational procedures. We
inspect and conduct sampling for contamination from the time
the raw milk is delivered until the time it is packaged to
determine that the pasteurization process delivers a safe
product. Dairy operations are also required to have federal
certification. Call 683-2712 for more information.
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Bulk Refuse Container Program - All
dumpsters throughout the city are regulated through the Bulk
Refuse Container Program. Solid Waste Inspectors review site
plans, issue permits, and investigate complaints of dumpster
overflow, foul odors, and improper placement. The cost for
this service is $10.00. For more information call 683-2712.
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Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
The entire Bureau's staff is available and
on call during natural or man made disasters to ensure protection
of the food supply, water and sewage disposal surveillance,
refuse disposal and to protect the health of the public, whether
in a shelter environment or during the recovery phase. Click
here for information on disaster and emergency preparedness.
For more information call 683-2712.
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Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Services of the Lead Program include screening, education,
laboratory analysis of blood and environmental samples, medical
and environmental case management. Because children from six
months through six years of age are most susceptible to lead
poisoning, the program focus is on working with physicians
to provide blood lead screening for all children from six
months to six years of age and in teaching contractors and
property owners to make houses lead safe before children are
poisoned. For more information call 683-2862.
Nuisance Complaints - Environmental
Health Specialists investigate citizen complaints about high
weeds, debris and inoperable vehicles, noise and resolve environmental
health concerns through code enforcement of Norfolk’s
nuisance ordinances. Call 683-2712 for more information.
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Inoperable Vehicles
Section 29-58 of the Norfolk City code is
the enforcement tool for inoperable vehicles on private property.
An Inoperable Vehicles is one which:
1. Is missing tires, wheels, engine, essential body parts
or
2. Displays extensive body damage or
3. Does not display current state license and current state
inspection or
4. Is wrecked or dissembled or
5. Is not in operating condition
An inoperable vehicle may be kept in a fully enclosed building
or structure. Notices of Violation are issued for abatement
of the violation within 72 hours or a request is made for
towing to the city's Towing and Recovery operation. The code
may be viewed at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
For more information call 664-6510.
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Noise
Exposure to loud noises is the biggest cause
of premature hearing loss and other detrimental health effects.
Studies have shown that exposure to too much noise over a
short period of time can be just as damaging as chronic exposure
to lower noise levels. The noise ordinance is found in Chapter
26 of the Norfolk City Code at http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/.
For additional information on this ordinance, or for more
information on Nuisance Complaints call 683-2712.
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Private Wells - All private wells
require a construction permit prior to installation. This
permit ensures that the well is located away from sources
of pollution and is also constructed properly To protect the
city’s ground water resource. The fee for this service
is $77.50. For more information call 683-2712.
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Swimming Pools - All public pools
are inspected during the swimming season to ensure bather
safety. Environmental Health Specialists conduct tests on
water samples and ensure pools are properly constructed and
maintained.
Swimming pools can be the source of many diseases and injuries.
The proper construction and maintenance of public swimming
pools and spas is of significant public health importance.
Should there be an incident of fecal contamination click here
for information necessary for sanitary operation of the pool.
Annual pool seminars are held in the spring of each year,
hosted by various health departments, with the goal of educating
and certifying swimming pool operators. Basic knowledge of
water treatment for swimming pools and the ability to perform
the chemical tests necessary to maintain safe water quality
are covered. The code requires that a certified pool operator
manage the operation of the pool and that there be posting
of water quality test results. The fee for this service is
$25.00. Swimming pools and spas are covered under Chapter
43 of the Norfolk City Code at
www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/
.
For more information call 683-2712.
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Recreational Water Sampling Program
The Bureau of Environmental Health routinely
monitors approximately 34 sampling sites throughout the city
from the Chesapeake Bay, the Lafayette and Elizabeth rivers
for pathogenic bacterial contamination. Samples are taken
from primary contact (swimmable) and secondary contact (used
for boating and water skiing) waters to check for levels of
fecal coliform and enterococcus, in addition to other organisms
indicative of pollution, along with ph, salinity and dissolved
oxygen. These indicator organisms can be found in the natural
environment as well as in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded
animals. When present, they indicate the possible presence
of disease causing bacteria, viruses or protozoa. When bacterial
levels exceed established recreational water standards, re-sampling
and an investigation would occur. Beach advisories or closures
can occur when a suspected environmental hazard or real sewage
discharge occurs or elevated bacteriological levels can be
linked to a known sewage discharge. Samples are collected
from the affected areas and the beaches are kept closed until
sampling data indicates established recreational water standards
are met.. Heavy rainfalls can also cause higher levels of
bacteria as wastes from yards and streets are discharged into
the waters through the storm sewers. Click here for information
on beach sampling provided by the National Resources
Council's publication, "Testing the Waters" (www.nrdc.org).
Additional information on beach sanitation may be viewed at
EPA's Office of Water site (www.epa.gov/ost/beaches/).
For more information call 683-2712.
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Solid Waste
Solid Waste violations can be divided into
the following topics:
1. Illegal dumping and/or the accumulation of solid waste
Chapter 14.5 describes illegal dumping and/or the accumulation
of solid waste as an environmental offense, which is a Class
1 Misdemeanor, subject to a fine of $2500, and/or 12 months
in jail. A notice of violation may or may not be issued depending
on the severity of the conditions. Summons may be issued for
immediate service. Proof of proper disposal may be required.
Reports of illegal dumping may also be reported to the Environmental
Crimes Taskforce. It is important to offer a complete description
of the violator, vehicles, type of debris, and exact address
of site. It is a class 1 misdemeanor to dump, place or blow
anything into the storm water drainage system. Call 664-6604
on Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. At other times
call 911 to report the incident.
2. Pet Areas kept clean
Accumulation of dog/animal droppings (feces) contributes to
fly breeding, provides food for rodents, may cause disease,
and is a public health nuisance. Droppings should be removed
daily.
3. Refuse (garbage storage and collection)
The accumulation of garbage and trash creates odors,
provides food for rodents, and provides organic materials
necessary
for fly breeding, causes disease and is public health nuisance.
Trash and garbage is required to be stored in a container
with a tight fitting lid. Containers must be stored at least
5 feet from the front of the building or screened from public
view. Containers may be placed on the curb on collection
day only (5:00pm night before; removed no later than 11:30pm
night
of collection). Call 683-2712 to report violations. Bureau
of Waste Management, Dept. of Public Works can be reached
at 441-5813 for information on city collections and to schedule
bulk waste removal. See www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/waste.asp for additional information. For recycling or household hazardous
waste disposal information call the Southeastern Public
Service Authority (SPSA) at 424-4297.
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Marina Sanitation
The Commonwealth of Virginia has sanitary
regulations for marinas and boat moorings. The regulations
establish minimum requirements as to adequacy of sewerage
facilities serving the boat slips as well as the persons the
marinas are designed to accommodate. The Division of Wastewater
Engineering reviews the technical aspects of applications,
plans and specifications and issue certificates of adequacy
for sewerage facilities. The Marine Resources Commission is
notified when a certificate is issued or denied. The local
Office of Environmental Health inspects for compliance with
the regulations to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness
of the facility and issue permits. Information about the Marina
Program may be accessed at vdhweb/marina/index.htm. or call
683-2712 for more information.
Vector Control protects the public against
vectors of diseases. They provide rodent control on city property,
conduct inspections prior to demolitions of all structures
to certify it free of rat infestations, and provide mosquito
control to the city through management of tidal ditches, larviciding,
trapping to identify mosquito species, conducting backyard
inspections for breeding, answering complaints and providing
education to citizens. Call 683-2840 for more information.
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Vector Control
Rat Control and other Rodents - Vector
Control operates a rat control and inspection program for
city property and acts as an advisor on other rodent and pest
control problems. For more information call 683-2840.
Mosquito Control - Inspections are
conducted and samples taken throughout the city. Areas of
concern are stagnant or impounded water, tin cans, automobile
tires or other receptacles that could hold water for harboring
mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes and insect breeding areas are
controlled and eradicated. The program reduces the possibility
of diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile
Virus spread by mosquitoes and enhances the comfort of residents
b removing these potential health hazards. For more information
call 683-2840.
Birds - West Nile virus is transmitted to people through
the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected
after biting infected birds. Birds that carry the virus include
crows, raptors and blue jays. Please report all dead birds
to the health department by calling 683-2712.Norfolk has had
more than 10 birds found positive for West Nile Virus.
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Rabies Control Program
Conduct investigations of all reported animal exposures, help
to ensure that cats and dogs four months and older have been
vaccinated for rabies, and promote awareness through the Kids
Against Rabies Program. Click here for Rabies link Report all
animal exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health
at 683-2712 or 24 hour pager at 669-2409.
WHAT IS RABIES?
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often
transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority
of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like
raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Domestic animals account
for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats,
cattle and dogs most often reported rabid.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN GET RABIES?
Rabies is most often seen among wild mammals such as raccoons,
bats, skunks and foxes. Cats, dogs, ferrets and livestock
can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect
them. Deer and large rodents, such as woodchucks, have been
found rabid in areas affected by raccoon rabies.
Some animals almost never get rabies. These
include wild rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, guinea
pigs, gerbils and hamsters. They can get rabies, but it almost
never happens. There are other animals that never ever get
rabies. They are birds, snakes, fish, turtles, lizards and
insects.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF RABIES IN ANIMALS?
The first sign of rabies is usually a change in the animal’s
behavior. It may become unusually aggressive or unusually
tame. The animal may lose fear of people and natural enemies.
It may become excited, irritable and snap at anything in its
path. Or, it may appear affectionate and friendly. Staggering,
convulsions, spitting, choking, frothing at the mouth and
paralysis are sometimes noted. Many animals have a marked
change in voice. The animal usually dies within one week after
showing signs of rabies.
HOW DO PEOPLE BECOME EXPOSED TO RABIES?
People usually get exposed to the rabies virus when an infected
animal bites them. Exposure may also occur if saliva enters
a scratch, open cut or mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth).
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE EXPOSED
TO RABIES?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical
attention immediately. Contact your doctor and your local
health authority immediately. Call Animal Control to take
the animal without damaging its head or risking further exposure.
If an apparently healthy domestic dog, cat, ferret or other
domestic animal bites a person, it must be captured, confined,
and observed daily for ten days following the bite. If it
remains healthy during this period, the animal did not transmit
rabies at the time of the bite. All wild animals must be tested
for rabies if human exposures have occurred. Report all animal
bites to the local health department. If a rabies-suspect
biting animal cannot be observed or tested, or it tests positive
for rabies, treatment should begin immediately.
WHAT IF MY PET IS EXPOSED TO A RABID ANIMAL?
If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear
gloves to handle it. Isolate it from other animals and people
for several hours. Call your veterinarian. Your vaccinated
pet will need a booster immunization with rabies vaccine within
five days of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to
a known or suspected rabid animal must be confined for six
months or humanely destroyed.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES
AGAINST RABIES?
Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or
cats. Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on
their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer
between rabid wildlife and man. Protect them, and you may
reduce your risk of exposure to rabies. Vaccines for dogs,
cats and ferrets after three months of age are effective for
a one year period. Revaccinations in dogs and cats are effective
for up to three years. Pets too young to be vaccinated should
be kept indoors. Some new vaccines have now been licensed,
and therefore, can be used for younger animals. Keep family
pets indoors at night. Don’t leave them outside unattended
or let them roam free. Don’t attract wild animals to
your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird
seed or other foods which may attract wild animals. Feed pets
indoors. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any
openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your
chimney with screens.
Bats can be particularly difficult to keep
out of buildings because they can get through cracks as small
as a pencil. Methods to keep bats out (batproofing) of homes
and summer camps should be done during the fall and winter.
If bats are already inside (e. g., in an attic or other areas),
consult with your county health authority about humane ways
to remove them. Encourage children to immediately tell an
adult if they are bitten by any animal. Tell children not
to touch any animal they do not know.
If a wild animal is on your property,
don't let it wander away. If a wild animal is on your
property, don't let it wander away. You may contact a animal
control officer to remove animal. Do not touch any animal
or come in contact with any animal that appears to be sick.
Observe the animal from a distance so you can alert animal
control to its whereabouts for capture. Report all animal
bites or contact with wild animals to your county health authority.
Depending on the species, it can be observed or tested for
rabies in order to avoid the need for rabies treatment. This
includes bats with skin contact or found in a room with a
sleeping person, unattended child, or someone with mental
impairment. Bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain circumstances
people can be bitten and not know it.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
RABIES?
Call the Norfolk Department of Public Health, Environmental
Health – Howard Porter 683-2914.
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Additional Links…. Food Safety, Entomology,
Government
RAT FACTS
- Rats are among man’s worst animal pets due to their
abundance, destructiveness, and potential for disease transmission.
- They destroy millions of dollars worth of property each
year and consume and contaminate food.
- Rats bite people and are hosts to ectoparasites including
fleas, mites, and ticks that transmit disease from rats
to man.
- While plague is historically the most infamous of diseases
spread by rats, other possible disease include rat bite
fever, salmonellosis, murine typhus, and leptospirosis.
SIGNS OF RAT INFESTATION:
- Gnawings on boxes or containers of easily accessible
food and along runways and burrows.
- Runways (rub marks or paths frequented by rats)
- Burrows along the foundation of a house or other dwelling
- Droppings (small, pellet shaped) in areas frequented by
rats
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FACT:
While young mice and rats are similar in appearance
they are different species. Mice do not grow up
to be rats.
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RAT HARBORAGE AND FOOD
Rats eat from a variety of sources:
- Leftovers, dirty dishes, and garbage
- Stored foods (ex: boxes of cereal)
- Pet foods and dog droppings
- Grass seed and bird feed
- Fallen or rotten fruit
Rats live in a variety of places:
- Garbage
- High grass and weeds
- Junk, wood, and junk cars
- Your house, garage, or shed
CONTROL MEASURES:
The two measures of rat control are prevention and
elimination.
Prevention is the easiest and most effective control
measure since it eliminates the problem before it becomes
one.
Preventative measures that require only a little effort
include:
- Properly store garbage which eliminates a primary
food source
- Cutting of high grass and weeds which eliminate
potential harborage
- Proper removal of junk or Wood which also eliminates
harborage
Elimination of rats can be done with either traps
or poison (bait).
Poisoning is the simplest method of rat control,
with prepared anticoagulants being among the most effective.
| Control Tip: For best results, always remember
to trap or bait first, then clean up the area once rats
have been exterminated. |
LARVAL MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE
NORFOLK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, DIVISION OF VECTOR CONTROL
does active mosquito surveillance. This consists of looking
for the larval and pupal stages in stagnant water. Some examples
are ditches, storm drains, gutters, artificial containers
like birdbaths, tarps, tires, buckets and anything that can
hold one (1) teaspoon of water.
CITIZENS can prevent mosquitoes from breeding by turning
over or removing containers around the home where rainwater
collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets,
and toys. Citizens also are advised to clean birdbaths and
wading pools once a week, to clean roof gutters and downspouts
screens regularly, and eliminate standing water on flat roofs.
ADULT MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE
Active adult mosquito surveillance is done by setting New
Jersey Light Traps and sampling them weekly, CDC Light Traps
charged with CO2 each week to collect, which we count, identify
and test select adult female mosquitoes for disease, and Gravid
Traps to capture adult female mosquitoes preparing to lay
eggs.
BIRD SURVEILLANCE
REPORT ALL DEAD BIRDS TO: Norfolk Department of Public Health
683-2812 or 683-2840. Birds to include CROWS, BLUE JAYS, AND
RAPTORS (HAWKS AND FALCONS). Reporting dead birds immediately
is essential since testing must be conducted only on birds
that have died within the past 24 hours.
PERSONAL PROTECTIONS
Citizens can protect themselves from mosquitoes while outside
by wearing long, loose and light-colored clothing. Use insect
repellent products with no more than 20-30 percent DEET for
adults and less than 10 percent for children. Follow label
instructions when using insect repellents.
MOSQUITO PROBLEMS
Contact Norfolk Department of Public Health, Division of
Vector Control if you are having any problems with mosquitoes.
The number is 683-2840. A unit will respond to your request
for service.
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West Nile Virus
What is West Nile virus infection?
The West Nile virus infection is one that is spread by
the bite of infected mosquitoes and usually
causes a mild illness, but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation
of the brain) or meningitis
(inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). This
virus is named after the West Nile region of
Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1937. It caused
an outbreak in New York in 1999.
Who gets West Nile virus infection?
Anyone can get West Nile virus infection if bitten by an infected
mosquito; however, even in areas
where transmission of West Nile virus is known to be occurring
only a small proportion of mosquitoes
are likely to be infected. Even if a person is bitten by an
infected mosquito, the chance of developing
illness is approximately 1/200. People who are over age 50 are
at greater risk of severe illness.
How is West Nile virus spread?
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito
is infected by biting a bird that carries
the virus. West Nile virus is not spread from one person to
another, or directly from birds to humans.
I’ve gotten a mosquito bite.
Should I be tested for West Nile virus infection?
No, most mosquitoes are not infected with West Nile virus. See
a physician if you develop the
symptoms below.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?
The disease may be mild or serious. Mild illness includes fever
and muscle aches, swollen lymph
glands and sometimes a skin rash. In the elderly, infection
may spread to the nervous system or
bloodstream and cause sudden fever, intense headache, and stiff
neck and confusion, possibly resulting in
encephalitis or meningitis. Healthy children and adults may
not have any symptoms.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms generally appear about 3 to 15 days after exposure
but may appear as soon as 1 day
after exposure or as late as 7 or more days.
Does past infection with West Nile virus make a person immune?
Yes, a person who gets West Nile virus probably cannot get it
again.
What is the treatment for West Nile virus infection? Is there
a vaccine for West Nile virus?
There is no specific treatment. Supportive therapy will be used
in more severe cases. Most people
recover from this illness. There is no vaccine.
How can West Nile virus infection be prevented?
It can be prevented by controlling the mosquito population and
protecting against mosquito bites.
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
- Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent
DEET for adults and less than 10 percent
for children.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water
collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays,
buckets and toys.
- Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
- Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens
Where can I get more information on West Nile virus?
Call your local health department or visit the following web
sites - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/WestNile/index.htm
VDH Office of Epidemiology www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/
American Mosquito Control Association www.mosquito.org.
Updated by the Virginia Department of Health, April 2002
Reporting Dead Birds
- The public can help state officials monitor for West Nile
virus and other mosquito-borne viruses by reporting all
dead birds to their local health department. (For a list
of local health departments click onto www.vdh.state.va.us/lhd/02.htm
)
- Your local health department will decide whether to have
the bird submitted for laboratory testing. Only selected
crows, blue jays and raptors (i.e. hawks, falcons or owls)
will be tested for mosquito-borne viruses, because they
are the best early signs of virus activity in an area.
- Reporting all dead birds is important. The state will
be compiling data on sightings throughout Virginia to see
if the numbers have any association with future positive
findings.
- Reporting dead birds immediately is essential, since testing
must be conducted only on birds that have died within the
past 24 hours. Sunken eyes and the presence of fly larvae
(maggots) are good indicators that the bird has been dead
too long.
- The health department may advise you to collect and preserve
the bird. Do not handle dead birds with your bare hands.
Wear gloves or use a plastic bag turned inside out to pick
up the bird. Place the bird in a plastic bag and tie the
bag shut. Then place the bird in a second bag and tie the
second bag shut. Place the double-bagged bird in a sturdy,
waterproof container with freezer-packs.
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