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West Nile Virus PreventionThe West Nile virus, originally from the West Nile region of Africa, has been spreading slowly across North America since 1999. Carried primarily by mosquitos, the virus has been steadily moving north along the Pacific mountain ranges. In 2010, the first human case was confirmed in the Kelowna area.
Mosquito ControlUnder the Provincial Public Health Act, local governments are legislated to mitigate the West Nile Virus hazard through mosquito larviciding. Since 2006, the City has participated in the Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program to help limit the exposure to mosquitos carrying West Nile in our area. The program treats all standing water on public property 3 times a year, including 7500 city storm drains.
What can I do to help?
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites - use repellant & wear light coloured clothing
- Report dead birds or animals to Interior Health, call 1-866-300-0520
- Remove or drain stagnant or sitting water from around your home (rain barrels, old tires, pool covers, eves troughs or saucers under plant pots)
- Replace the water in birdbaths or wading pools weekly
- Have a pond? Get a fish that will eat larvae or install a circulating pump
- Know the symptoms. Visit Interior Health's website for more information
- Report nuisance mosquito areas on public lands, call 250 469-6241
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on the West Nile Virus.
Contact usFor more information on the Nuisance Mosquito Control Program, contact:
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Environmental Services
250 469-6241
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