|
HEALTH & INSPECTION SERVICES > COMMUNITY
HEALTH SERVICES
West Nile Virus (WNV)
People get WNV encephalitis from the bite of a mosquito
that is infected with WNV. WNV is NOT transmitted from person to person.
For example, you cannot get WNV from touching or kissing a person who
has the disease or from a health care worker who has treated someone with
the disease. For more information on West Nile Virus go to www.state.ma.us/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is West Nile Virus
(WNV) Encephalitis?
What are the symptoms
of WNV Encephalitis?
Is there treatment
for WNV Encephalitis?
How can I protect myself and my family from mosquito
bites?
How can I reduce
the number of mosquitoes around my home and neighborhood?
What is the connection between dead
birds and WNV?
What is West Nile Virus (WNV) Encephalitis?
West Nile Virus (WNV) encephalitis is a rare disease caused by a virus.
In a small percentage of people infected by the virus, the disease can
be serious, even fatal. The virus that causes WNV encephalitis occurs
in Europe, Africa and Asia. It was first identified in the United States
during the summer of 1999. It is not known how WNV got to the U.S. WNV
grows in birds, and it is transmitted from bird to bird to humans by mosquitoes.
Horses bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV can also become sick.
-- top of page --
What are the symptoms of WNV
Encephalitis?
Mild WNV infections cause fever, headache and body aches, often with a
skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections can cause headache,
high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions,
paralysis and, sometimes, death.
Is there treatment for WNV Encephalitis?
There is no treatment for WNV infection. Doctors can treat the symptoms
of WNV encephalitis. However, about 7% of people who become sick enough
from the infection to be hospitalized die from it.
-- top of page --
How can I protect myself and my family from mosquito
bites?
- There is no vaccine for WNV. The only way to protect yourself is to
keep mosquitoes from biting you. Follow these steps every summer if
you live in or visit an area with mosquitoes:
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, if possible, since
this is the time when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear a long-sleeved
shirt and long pants.
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET and follow the directions
on the label. DEET can be toxic if overused. Never use DEET on infants.
Avoid using repellents with DEET concentrations above 10-15% for children
and with concentrations above 30-35% for adults. Cream, lotions or stick
formulas are best. Avoid products with high amounts of alcohol.
- Most mosquito repellents will remain effective for many hours, so
it is not necessary to reapply the repellent. Once inside, wash off
insect repellents thoroughly with soap and water.
- Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing
outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby's carriage
or playpen with mosquito netting.
- Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached
to all your doors and windows.
-- top of page --
How can I reduce the number of
mosquitoes around my home and neighborhood?
To reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get
rid of any standing water that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes
will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four
days. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Dispose of or regularly empty any metal cans, plastic containers,
ceramic pots, and other water-holding containers (including trash cans)
on your property.
- Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have collected on
your property. Tires are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors
to let water drain out.
- Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent
drainage of rainwater.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths; aerate ornamental ponds
or stock then with fish.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing
water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your
property.
-- top of page --
What is the connection between dead
birds and WNV?
In 1999 a connection was made between an outbreak of human West Nile Virus
infection and disease in birds, especially in American crows in the New
York City area. Therefore, sick or dying birds should be reported to the
local, city, or county health department. Avoid barehanded contact with
dead birds and other animals; use gloves or double plastic bags to place
the carcass in a garbage can. Consult your local health department for
submission instructions for testing.
If you find a dead crow and if there is no apparent
trauma, please call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) at
1-866-627-7968 for a tracking number, then contact the Haverhill Health
Department at 978-374-2341 and ask for either Steve Clifford, Lisa Roope,
or Debra McLaughlin.
-- top of page --
|
