West Nile Virus Information
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an illness carried by mosquitoes and passed
on to people. It can make people ill with flu like symptoms and can even lead to death in some cases. Everyone needs to be aware of mosquitoes and keep them away.
What can you do to help prevent the spread
of WNV?
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites:
- Remove standing water. Every five to seven
days remove standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay eggs
and grow. Empty flowerpots, buckets, toys, tires, wading pools,
wheelbarrows and other containers. Change water from pet bowls
and bird baths every few days.
- Keep swimming pools, hot tubs and outdoor spas clean
and chlorinated. One stagnant pool can breed enough mosquitoes
for an entire neighborhood.
- Clean clogged roof gutters often. Plugged roof
gutters keep water from draining and can produce millions of mosquitoes
each season.
- Plan a neighborhood clean up day. Pick up containers
from vacant lots and parks and encourage people to keep their
yards free of standing water. mosquitoes don't care about fences,
so it's important to control breeding sites throughout the neighborhood.
- Bats in bat houses are NOT the answer to eliminating
mosquitoes. In fact, bat houses pose a serious danger to humans
since bats frequently carry rabies, according to the Butte County
Public Health Dept. Rabies infection in humans is fatal.
Avoid mosquito bites:
- Cover up! When mosquitoes are present, wear
long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.
- Use repellent with DEET. When mosquitoes are
out, use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin. For double
protection, spray it on your clothes as well. Follow the directions.
Do not use DEET on infants under two months old. When returning
indoors, wash of the repellent.
- Keep mosquitoes outside. Make sure windows
& doors in house have tight fitting screens. Fix any holes;
duct tape works. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be
in bad shape.
- Electromagnetic and ultrasound devices are NOT effective
in eliminating mosquitoes.
- Vitamin B is NOT effective in preventing mosquito
bites.
What can you do if you see a mosquito
problem or stagnant water problem?
Call your local mosquito vector control district. Ask
about availability of free mosquito-eating fish for ornamental
pools, ponds or stagnant swimming pools that cannot be immediately
cleaned.
What can you do if you find a dead bird?
The California Department of Health asks the public to help in
detecting the spread of WNV by reporting dead birds online at
www.westnile.ca.gov.
Those without Internet access can call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).
Reporting also helps the state determine where more mosquito control
is needed, as mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds. Report
birds that have been dead less than 48 hours. If someone does
not get back to you within 24 hours, dispose of the dead bird,
but do not handle dead birds with bare hands. Although there is
no evidence that West Nile virus can be acquired by handling dead
birds, it is best to use a shovel to put the bird in a plastic
bag, put the bag in the trash and wash your hands.
How is WNV transmitted?
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through
a mosquito bite. mosquitoes become infected when they bite and
feed on infected birds. WNV is not transmitted by person-to-person
contact. The California Department of Health Systems said there's
evidence that WNV can be acquired via a blood transfusion or organ
transplant from an infected donor, and from breastfeeding orduring
pregnancy from mother to baby, although it said this is unlikely.
What can happen if you become infected
with WNV?
No symptoms for most people. Most individuals
(about 80 percent) who are infected with WNV will not experience
any illness.
Mild symptoms for some people. Others (about
20 percent), will have only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache,
body aches, nausea and vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands
or a skin rash on the chest, stomach or back, according to the
California Department of Health Systems (CDHS). Symptoms can last
a few days, though even health people have been sick for several
weeks.
Serious symptoms for few people. WNV can be
severe in the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.
About 1 in 150 people develop serious symptoms, according to the
CDHS. Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness,
stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness,
vision loss, numbness and paralysis; these symptoms may last several
weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
In California in 2005 there were a total of 935 WNV cases
in humans, with 18 deaths, according to the CDHS. In Butte County,
25 people were reported to have WNV in 2005, up from 7 the year prior.
How soon do infected people get sick?
If people develop symptoms, it typically happens between 3 and
14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito, according
to CDHS.
How is WNV infection treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with
milder symptoms, the symptoms pass on their own. In more severe
cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can
receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help
with breathing and nursing care, according to the CDHS.
Is there a vaccination against WNV?
There is no vaccine to prevent WNV in humans. However, there
is a vaccine for horses.
Resources
For more information on West Nile Virus, call the Enloe West
Nile Virus Hotline at (530) 332-7017, or try the following contacts:
Butte
County Health Department Website: http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth
California Department of Health Services: http://www.westnile.ca.gov/
or 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) These are where you can also report dead birds.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbird/westnile/index.htm
Local Mosquito & Vector Control
District Offices:
Butte County Mosquito & Vector Control:
530.533.6038
Durham Mosquito Abatement District: 530.345.2875
Oroville Mosquito Abatement District: 530.534.8383
Horse owners: Call your local veterinarian,
or try this sites for further reading and resources: http://westnile.ca.gov/veterinarian.htm
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