West
Nile Virus Is A Risk You Can Do Something About With A Few Simple
Steps.
WEST
NILE VIRUS is
now in most of the United States. The most important way people
become infected is through the bite of an infected mosquito. You
can reduce your chance of getting infected by avoiding mosquito
bites.
ADULTS
ARE AT HIGHEST RISK
People over age 50 have a higher risk for becoming
seriously ill when they get infected with West Nile virus. People
under age 50 can also become sick, but it is less likely.
WHAT
HAPPENS IF I GET INFECTED?
Most people who get infected with West Nile virus do not have
any symptoms. Some people develop a mild illness called West
Nile Fever. This mild illness gets better on its own. No treatment
is needed. A small number of people (less than 1 out of 100) who
get infected with West Nile virus develop severe disease, called
West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis (inflammation
of the brain or the area around the brain). This severe disease
usually requires hospitalization. In some cases, especially among
older persons, it can result in death. Symptoms
of severe illness include headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental
confusion, muscle weakness, tremors (shaking), convulsions, coma,
and paralysis. See your doctor if you develop these symptoms.
There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus infection.
There
is no vaccine available for people.
THREE
WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR WEST NILE VIRUS RISK
AVOID
MOSQUITO BITES!
- Cover
Up!
Wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks sprayed with
repellent while outdoors can further help prevent mosquito bites.
Avoid Mosquitoes! Many mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn.
Limit time outdoors during these hours, or be especially sure
to use repellents and protective clothing.
- Spray!
Spray insect repellent containing DEET (Look for N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Spray clothing with
repellents containing DEET or permethrin. Products with
a higher percentage of DEET (up to 50%) give longer protection.
Don't spray repellent on skin under clothing. Don't use permethrin
on skin.
- Use
Repellent Carefully! Repellents containing DEET are very
safe for adults and children when used according to directions.
Don't put repellent on kid's hands because it may get in their
mouth or eyes.
MOSQUITO-PROOF
YOUR HOME!
Screens:
Keep mosquitoes outside by fixing or installing window and door
screens.
Drain Standing Water: Don't give mosquitoes a place to
breed. A small amount of standing water can be enough for a
mosquito to lay her eggs. Look around every week for possible
mosquito breeding places.
Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots
and other items. Throw away or cover up stored tires and other
items that aren't being used. Clean pet water bowls weekly.
Check if rain gutters are clogged. If you store water outside
or have a well, make sure it's covered up. Encourage your neighbors
to do the same.
HELP
YOUR COMMUNITY!
Dead
birds help health departments track West Nile virus.
Check with local or state
health department to find out
their policy for reporting dead
birds.
Additional
Information:
Home
West Nile Virus and Dead Birds
West Nile Virus, Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding
West Nile Virus Is A Risk You Can Do Something
About With A Few Simple Steps.
Cases of West Nile Human Disease
West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats
West Nile Virus: Information and Guidance
for Clinicians
Insect Repellent Use and Safety
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Testing and Treating West Nile
Virus in Humans
Blood Transfusion, Organ Donation
and Blood Donation Screening Information
Transmission of the West Nile Virus
