THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING APRIL 24 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2011 AS

MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK

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WHEREAS, the County of San Mateo recognizes that West Nile Virus – a virulent and potentially deadly form of encephalitis – poses a grave threat to the health and safety of all Californians as early as this spring and for the foreseeable future and in 2009, West Nile virus resulted in four deaths in California and 105 individuals from 19 counties tested positive for the virus; and

WHEREAS, Adequately funded mosquito and vector control, disease surveillance, and public awareness programs are the best ways to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus and other diseases borne by mosquitoes and other vectors; and

WHEREAS, San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District works with mosquito and vector control districts throughout California, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Department of Public Health to reduce pesticide risks to humans, animals, and the environment while protecting human health from mosquito and vector-borne diseases and nuisance attacks; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness can result in reduced production of mosquitoes and other vectors on private, commercial, and public lands by responsible parties, avoidance of the bites of mosquitoes and other vectors when the risk of West Nile Virus and other disease transmission is high, detection of human cases of mosquito and vector-borne diseases that may be otherwise misdiagnosed for lack of appropriate laboratory testing, and the formation of mosquito or vector control agencies where needed; and

WHEREAS, West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week will increase the public's awareness of the threat of West Nile virus and other diseases and the activities of the various mosquito and vector research and control agencies working to minimize the health threat within California, and will highlight the educational programs currently available.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby proclaims the week of April 24 through April 30, 2011 as Mosquito and Vector Control and West Nile Virus Awareness Week in San Mateo County.

Dated: April 26, 2011

SUPERVISORS:

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Carole Groom, President

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Don Horsley

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Rose Jacobs Gibson

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Adrienne J. Tissier

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors