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How You Can Help Minimize the Impact of West Nile Virus

West Nile (WNV) Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. The majority of the people and animals that are infected have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can be serious. Older folks are at a higher risk for disease caused by the WN Virus.

The virus has been moving westward from the east since it was introduced; by 2001 the virus had reach just past the Mississippi River. In 2002, there were 4156 reported cases of WNV human infection, with the virus reaching 44 states. (See current map on CDC web site.)

The WN virus is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes acquire the infection from feeding on a bird with the virus in its blood. The virus lives in the mosquito and is transmitted to a new host by the mosquito when it bites a person or animal. If you find a dead bird, particularly a cowbird or other covid (jaybird, magpie, raven), please call this toll free no. 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

The virus is most prevalent in May to October when mosquitoes are abundant. There is no human-to-human transmission.

To decrease your exposure to mosquitoes and the WN virus, do the following:

Drain all standing water on private property and stock permanent ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae.

Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

Wear protective clothing (long pants and long sleeve shirts/blouses) and apply insect repellant when outside.

Avoid outside activity at dawn and dusk during the mosquito season May to October. This is particularly important for older people and very young children.

For additional information visit www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/dcdcindex.htm.

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