Fight the Bite!
Join the "Swat Team" against West Nile Virus
BBQ, gardening, swimming pools, hikes...and mosquitoes!
Enjoy the outdoors, but remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes by using insect repellant. West Nile transmission is underway in many parts of the United States. This virus can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease; so it's worth taking a couple of minutes to prevent mosquito bites.
What you can do to Prevent WN:
The easiest way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. Here are some helpful tips: Remember the 4 D's of WNV control.
- Limit your outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors and use mosquito repellant containing DEET.
- Drain standing water sources where mosquitoes breed such as flower pots, bird baths and children's wading pools.
- Make sure you have good screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.
Common Symptoms
Approximately 80% of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not. About 20% of people infected will experience mild symptoms that can include fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for a few days or up to several weeks. About 150 people will develop severe illness. Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.
Contact your primary physician if you feel you are exhibiting any of these symptoms.
How is WNV Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Milder symptoms such as fever and aches will pass on their own, although the may last for weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.