|
| |
|
Arizona Department of
Health Services - West Nile Virus Hotline
1-800-314-9243 |
WEST NILE VIRUS FACTS
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that was first detected
in the United States in 1999. The majority of people and animals that are
infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases,
the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis (an
inflammation of the brain).
How does WNV Spread?
 | Infected Mosquitoes - generally WNV is spread by the bite of an
infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are WNV carriers that become infected when
they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans
and other animals when they bite. |
| Transfusions, Transplants and Mother-to-Child - in a very
small number of cases, WNV has also spread through transfusions, organ
transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby. |
| Not Through Touching - WNV is not spread through casual
contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
|
What are the symptoms of WNV?
| No Symptoms in Most People - approximately 80% of people who are
infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. |
| Mild Symptoms in Some People - up to 20% of the people who become
infected will display mild symptoms including: fever, headache, nausea,
body aches, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the
chest, stomach and back. Symptoms typically last a few days. |
| Serious Symptoms in a Few People - some people infected
with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include
high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle
weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. |
The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness ranges from 3-15
days in humans. There is no specific treatment for infection with WNV.
In cases with mild symptoms, these symptoms pass on their own. In more
severe cases, people usually need to go tot he hospital where they can receive
supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and
nursing care.
What is the Risk of Catching WNV?
For Most, Risk is Low - less than 1% of people who are bitten by
mosquitoes develop any symptoms of the disease and relatively few mosquitoes
actually carry WNV.
Greater Risk for Those Outdoors a Lot - people who spend a lot of time
outdoors are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito. They should
take special care to
avoid
mosquito bites.
People Over 50 Can Get Sicker - people over the age of 50 are more likely
to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special
care to avoid mosquito bites.
Risk Through Medical Procedures is Low - the risk of getting WNV through
blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small and should not prevent
people who need surgery from having it.
Which Animals can be Infected with WNV?
An infected mosquito can bite any animal, but not all animals will become
infected. The disease most often affects birds, horses and humans.
Wild birds are the animals from which the mosquito primarily acquires the virus.
Although many birds that are infected with WNV will not appear ill, infection
can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illness
are seen among crows, jays, ravens and magpies. Horses are also
susceptible to WNV. Clinical signs of disease consist of central nervous
system abnormalities. An equine WNV vaccine is available for horses -
contact your veterinarian for vaccine recommendations.
What Can I do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
| when outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide).
Follow the directions on the package.
Click
Here for the CDC's updated information on the use of repellents |
| many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Consider staying
indoors during these times or use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and
pants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on
you. |
| make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep
mosquitoes out. |
| get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying
standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water
in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill drainage
holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools
empty and on their sides when they aren't being used. |
What is the Mohave County Department of Public Health Doing About WNV?
MCDPH is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to prepare
for and prevent new cases of WNV. During mosquito season, we trap mosquitoes and send them to ADHS
for testing to determine the presence of WNV. We also participate in dead
bird surveillance by sending dead birds to ADHS for testing. Dead birds
may be a sign that WNV is in the area - however, it's important to remember that
birds die from many other causes besides WNV.
During the months of April through October, if you find a dead bird (not a pigeon) that appears newly dead
and not scavenged, call
your local MCDPH Environmental Health office promptly. Do not touch the
bird.
Kingman
757-0901
Lake Havasu 453-0712
Bullhead
758-0704
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Related Links:
Questions &
Answers
Fight the
Bite - Avoid Mosquito Bites to Avoid Infection
|
