Pottery Trainer Newsletter
Spring 2006

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control reports,
"the 2002 WNV epidemic in the U.S. was the
largest arboriviral meningoencephalitis epidemic documented in the western hemisphere... activity was most intense in central U.S., especially in the Great Lakes region, and extending to the west coast." The virus first appeared in the western hemisphere in 1999.

West Nile Virus Human Toll And Warning

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports over 9,000 were infected by the West Nile Virus in the U.S. in 2003. Colorado became the epicenter for WNV in 2003–61 died and 2,947 were infected. In California in 2005, nearly 1,000 were infected and 18 died. Some mosquitoes have become drug resistant to pesticides.

About West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus and other diseases are spread by different types of mosquitoes including the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens. Mosquitoes feed on human and animal blood or plant juices. West Nile Virus has caused serious illness, even death. Mild cases may not exhibit any symptoms, but can include a fever and/or headache. Severe infections have a rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches, and usually occur 5 to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. Infants, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems are most at risk.

Help With Prevention

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water in and around the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eliminating places water can stagnate, for example in used tires, pool covers, wheelbarrows, saucers under potted plants, or any open containers. Be sure roof gutters drain properly.

The Pot Drain^® Flange and Plant Aqueduct^™ can safely drain all your outdoor container plants, preventing the spread of West Nile Virus, caused by mosquitoes breeding in pot saucers. Your potted plants and trees will also be healthier, because proper drainage avoids mineral deposits building up in pot saucers. In addition, the Pot Drain^™ device keeps water off your deck and patio to avoid coslty repairs and ugly water stains.