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CCDPH wants you to know about West Nile Virus |
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What is West Nile Virus (WNV)?
WNV is an infection carried by
mosquitoes. In the past, WNV was found in Africa, the Middle East and
in parts of Europe, Russia, India and Indonesia. WNV may have entered
the United States through an infected traveler, bird or mosquito and
first appeared here, on the east coast of the United States, in 1999.
People
get WNV from the bite of a mosquito that is infected with WNV when they
feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. Once
infected, the mosquito can spread the virus to humans and other animals.
Symptoms
Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness and never become ill. Some people may become ill 3-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches. More severe symptoms may be high fever, stiff neck, confusion and muscle weakness.
Who can get WNV?
Anybody can become infected with WNV so it's important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by following the important information in this article. People over the age of 50 and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer may be more at -risk for serious illness. Most human cases occur in the late summer and early fall.
Treatment
No specific treatment or vaccine for WNV exists. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you believe you may have been infected, call your doctor.
How can I fight the bite?
• Limit time outdoors when mosquito activity is heaviest (dusk to dawn).
• If outside, wear socks, shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.
• Use repellents containing 25-35% DEET (N,n-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Always follow label directions.
• Talk to your doctor before applying repellent to infants or children.
• Protect babies and small children by using mosquito netting over strollers.
Don't allow mosquitoes to breed!
Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or other containers that can hold water from your front and back yards.
• Empty plastic wading pools weekly or store upside down when not in use.
• Change water every few days in bird baths and plant saucers.
• Store boats covered or upside down.
• Water bowls for pets should be emptied and refilled daily.
Also...
• Keep weeds and grass cut short.
• Be sure screens in homes are in good repair and tight fitting.
• Keep gutters around your home clean and in good repair.
What if I find a dead bird?
Monitoring dead bird locations is a priority for CCDPH. The presence of dead crows and blue jays in a community is a sign of possible WNV in the area.
If you find a dead bird, especially a blue jay or crow, please call 708-492-2035 to report your sighting. Cook County Department of Public Health staff will tell you if they need to pick up the bird for laboratory testing. Information regarding proper methods for handling and disposing of a dead bird is also available at this phone number.
CCDPH is committed to protecting your health. We will continue to work with private medical providers, hospitals, laboratories, the state health department and the Centers for Disease Control to detect the presence of West Nile infection in our communities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cook County Department of Public Health
Health Alert Hotline
708-492-2185
www.cookcountypublichealth.org
Environmental Health Services Unit:
708-492-2035
The Illinois Department of Public Health:
www.idph.state.il.us
National Center for Infectious Diseases
P.O. Box 2087
Fort Collins, CO 80522
email: dvbid@cdc.gov
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