Hot Topic: Take Steps to Avoid West Nile

Mosquitoes can spread West Nile and other viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds. The particular disease is not spread from person to person.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a close relative of other types of mosquito-borne viruses that circulate in Georgia every year, such as St. Louis encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis viruses. In recent years, West Nile virus has emerged in temperate regions of Europe and North America, presenting a threat to public, equine, and animal health. The most serious manifestation of WN virus infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds. Less than 1% of those infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness and it is possible for many humans to contract the disease and manifest no symptoms. The threat for humans is mainly for the elderly and people with other health problems that make them more susceptible to secondary illnesses.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus usually occur 3-15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms or may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and body aches before they recover. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, the virus can cause a serious disease called encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Symptoms of encephalitis may include high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, convulsions, coma and rarely, death.

There is no specific treatment, cure or vaccine for West Nile Virus in humans. But the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated and most people who get the disease recover from it. A vaccine to help protect horses against the virus is available and owners of horses are encouraged to have their animals inoculated .
Many birds infected with West Nile virus die, so public health officials use dead bird reports as one way to watch for the virus. People who find dead birds in their yard should report them to their county environmental health department.

Take the following precautions and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

·Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
·When outdoors, wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
·On exposed skin, use mosquito repellent that contains less than 30% DEET for adults and less than 10% DEET on children over age one (do not use DEET on infants).
·Because mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed, eliminate standing water around your home by disposing of old cans, barrels, tires, or other objects that can collect surface water. Store wheelbarrows and boats upside down (or cover them), and empty pet watering dishes, birdbaths, pools, and ornamental ponds at least once a week.
·Clean gutters, flat roofs and air conditioner drains frequently.
·Change the water in birdbaths, pools, ornamental ponds and animal dishes at least once a week.
·Keep mosquitoes from entering buildings by repairing screens on windows, doors, patios, and porches.
·Keep grass and weeds mowed to reduce mosquitoes’ resting places.

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