- What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause encephalitis. Although
chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, there are some simple steps you can
take to reduct your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
- What is encephalitis?
Encephalitis is a viral infection. Mild cases may include a slight fever and/or
headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with
head and body aches. Usually symptoms occur from 5 to 15 days after exposure.
There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and
provide supportive care. Those who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are
infants, the elderly and persons with damaged immune systems.
- Do all mosquitoes transmit disease?
No. Most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. While there are about 65
different species of mosquitoes in New York State, the Culex pipiens mosquito
(the common house mosquito) is the one most commonly associated with West Nile virus.
- Where do mosquitoes live and breed?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. The eggs hatch and remain in the water
until the adults mature and fly off. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an
outdoor home for adult Culex mosquitoes. They can also enter houses through
unscreeen windows or doors, or broken screens.
- When are mosquitoes most active?
Culex mosquitoes are most active between duck and dawn, when the air is calm.
However, they may be present at any time of day.
- What bird(s) can carry West Nile virus?
Although most West Nile virus-positive birds have been American crows, infections also
have been confirmed in other species, including the rock dove, sandhill crane, fish crow,
blue jay, bald eagle, laughing gull, black-crowned night heron, mallard, American robin,
pigoen, red-tailed hawk, flamingo, herring gull, cormorant, kingfisher, merlin, cooper's
hawk, kestrel, tragopan and broad-winged hawk. It is important to remember that
there is no evidence that birds can transwmit West Nile virus to people, but gloves should
be worn when handling any dead bird or mammal.
- What about domestic birds?
Although chickens have been found to become infected with West Nile virus (even though
they do not become ill from it), there have been no documented cases of indoor pet birds
being infected. It is important to remember that birds cannot transmit West Nile
virus to people.
- Can my dog or cat be infected?
Although West Nile virus was identified in horses on Long Island, there have been no
documented cases of West Nile encephalitis in dogs (although asymptomatic infection in
some dogs has been documented), and only one case documented in a New Jersey cat. It
is important to remember that animals cannot transmit West Nile virus to people.
- How can I protect my family and myself?
To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all
standing water:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar
water-holding containers.
- Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires are
very significant mosquito breeding sites.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are
kept outdoors.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in
the spring and fall.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths.
- Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
- Drain water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your
property.
- Should we stay indoors?
It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless there is evidence of
mosquito-borne disease. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of
being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard,
make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screena are in good repair.
If West Nile virus is found in your area:
- Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors
for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when
it is necessary to be outdoors.
- What is being done in my community to control mosquitoes?
The New York State Health Department, along with other state agencies, local health
departments, colleges and environmental groups, has prepared a plan to address the
potential return of West Nile virus to the Empire State, and has devised a preventive
strategy to minimize the possibility of a reccurrrence. Local communities are
implementing various control measures based on geographic location and level of risk.
Individual citizens' knowledge of the situation and participation in the process
may help reduce the need for more aggressive mosquito control, such as the aerial spraying
of insecticides. For more information regarding activities in your specific area,
contact your local health department.
- What else can I do?
In addition to reducing potential breeding sites on your own property, you can encourage
your neighbors, local businesses and municipal agencies to do so as well. You can
also work with local service, labor, religious and fraternal organizations to promote
community-wide clean-up drives. Youth organizations can be encouraged to start
"Bite Fighters" clubs to get young people involved in the effort. For more
information on how you can help, contact your local health department or write:
FIGHT THE BITE
BOX 2000
ALBANY, NY 12220
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH
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