West Nile Virus
June 03, 2009
The statewide, toll-free DEAD BIRD REPORTING HOTLINE
at 1-800-433-1610 has now been reactivated. Questions
about dead birds and information on safe handling and
disposal can be answered by hotline staff. Do no
handle dead birds with your hands.
Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile virus (WNV) by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans.
Symptoms
Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. Twenty percent of people who do become ill with the virus have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Symptoms start within 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and typically last a few days. If you think you may have WNV, call your heath care provider to help treat your symptoms.
In rare cases, more severe illness can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma and potentially death. Older people are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.
Since all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle, reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites, mosquito numbers and the risk for mosquito bites.
Prevention Measures:
Other prevention measures include:
Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile virus (WNV) by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans.
Symptoms
Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. Twenty percent of people who do become ill with the virus have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Symptoms start within 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and typically last a few days. If you think you may have WNV, call your heath care provider to help treat your symptoms.
In rare cases, more severe illness can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma and potentially death. Older people are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.
Since all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle, reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites, mosquito numbers and the risk for mosquito bites.
Prevention Measures:
Other prevention measures include:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply insect repellant to skin and also spray clothing as mosquitoes may bite through them.
- Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
- Properly dispose of items that hold water: tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, old tires.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.