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Prevent West Nile Virus This Summer

Deschutes County Oregon -- 7/1/2011 --

The start of mosquito season in Central Oregon is here. So far, no mosquitoes in Oregon have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Taking a few precautions to avoid mosquito bites can prevent infection.

Eliminate Mosquitoes Around Your Home:
The first line of defense against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquitoes. Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas (standing water) around your home. Consider using products sold in garden stores containing larvicidal bacteria to treat ponds or bodies of water to kill mosquito larvae. Inspect all window and door screens at home to make sure they are free of holes.

Protect Yourself:
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.  Choose and use a repellent that contains one of these active ingredients: DEET, picardin (odorless), oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR-3535.

West Nile Virus: What are the Symptoms? Who is at Risk?
WNv can be a serious illness that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary and develop between 3 and 14 days after an infected mosquito bites a person. There is no specific treatment for the virus.

Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNv will show NO symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent of people infected will display symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash. Symptoms can last from a few days up to several weeks. One in 150 people infected with WNv will develop serious illness. This may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness or paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks; neurological effects may be permanent.

For more information about preventing West Nile virus, please call (541) 322-7418 or visit http://public.health.oregon.gov . ##
 

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