West Nile Virus Information
1. What is West Nile Virus?
It is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause mild or severe infections, such as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.
2. How do people get the virus?
People become infected after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, ticks may transmit WNV between birds and possibly from birds to infected people.
There is no evidence that people transmit the virus. It is not transmitted person-to-person.
There is no evidence that people can get the WNV from infected animals or people.
3. Who is at risk to get the illness?
People over 50 years of age, because as we age our body has a harder time fighting off disease.
People with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk.
However, anyone can get the virus.
4. What are the symptoms?
Mild infections: fever of 101 or greater, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Severe infections: high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, paralysis, and sometimes death.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician.
5. Is there a test to diagnose West Nile Virus infection?
Yes, there is blood testing that can be done.
6. Is there a treatment or vaccine?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection or vaccine. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be needed.
7. What do I do if I find a dead bird with no signs of attack?
DO NOT touch a dead bird. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is collecting and testing dead birds for WNV. Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
8. What other animals may be affected?
Sick and dead cats, crows and horses were laboratory confirmed to have West Nile Virus. In addition, dogs, many other species of wild birds, and many species of domestic birds (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys) while not clinically ill, were tested and shown to be positive for West Nile Virus antibodies, demonstrating that they had been infected.
9. How can I prevent and control the transmission of this virus?
Reduce human exposure via mosquito control.
10. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood:
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a small bucket that has stagnant water in it for seven days can become a home for up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Here are some easy tips to eliminate standing water:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
- Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
- Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than 4 days.
- If you have an area of concern around your home, contact DEP at 327-3636.
11. How can I protect myself?
- Reduce stagnant water in your yard
- Make sure windows and doors have screens
- Take normal steps to prevent insect bites
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use mosquito repellent according to directions when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health
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