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What is WNV?
WNV is a virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1937. This virus was first identified in the United States in 1999 during an outbreak in New York. Since that time, the virus has been found in mosquitoes, birds, horses, and humans in various locations in the United States.
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How can I be exposed to WNV?
People may be exposed to West Nile Virus when an infected mosquito bites them. However, only a small percentage of mosquitoes are expected to carry the virus so the risk of being infected with WNV from any single mosquito bite is very small. For a mosquito to become infected with the virus, it must bite an infected bird, usually a crow or blue jay.
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Do all mosquitoes carry WNV?
No. Monitoring data in the United States has indicated that mosquitoes in the Culex group are most often infected with WNV. This is significant because most of the nuisance mosquitoes in our area belong to the Aedes group, which are less likely to carry the West Nile Virus. Culex mosquitoes found in this area (usually Culex pipens) are considered to be evening and nighttime biters and commonly breed in stagnant or polluted water.
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Can WNV make me sick?
Most of the time, people infected with WNV will have no symptoms or will develop a mild illness that includes fever. In severe cases, encephalitis may develop. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that less than 1% of persons that get infected will develop severe illness. Serious illness resulting from WNV is more likely in persons greater than 50 years of age.
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What can I do to prevent exposure to WNV?
Reduce Mosquito breeding sites. The Culex mosquitoes found here prefer to breed in stagnant or polluted water. For this reason, eliminating standing water from your property may have a significant impact on reducing the number of Culex and other mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water around your home and neighborhood by:
Disposing of used tires.
Cleaning rain gutters.
Change water in bird-baths and child wading pools every 2-3 days.
Keep swimming pools chlorinated.
Keep any containers from collecting rainwater (i.e. wheel barrows, flower pots, buckets, swimming pool covers, etc.).
Reduce the number of bites you receive. While mosquito bites cannot be eliminated completely, they can be reduced by simple behavior changes when out amongst the mosquitoes. Some of these include:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Warning: An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Some products using natural repellants may be effective for shorter periods of time. Repellants for children should contain no more than 10% DEET. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
When the wind is calm or low, sit in front of a fan to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to fly and land on you to bite.
Install or repair window and door screens.
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What is the Environmental Health Department's Response to WNV?
Environmental Health is focusing on education and surveillance activities to address the concern about WNV in our area. This summer, the County was fortuntate to receive a grant to support an intern (Justin Wise) devoted to West Nile Virus. Mr. Wise created an informational poster, brochures and a powerpoint presentation to be used for West Nile Virus education. In addition, he presented to several community groups throughout the Consortium.
The Counties will continue to monitor dead "target species" of birds. A sufficient number of birds in our area have tested positive to indicate that WNV is present here. We are still collecting reports of dead/sick crows and blue jays to track numbers and to monitor for areas with high numbers.
After reporting a dead bird, the bird can be picked up and disposed of in the household garbage by placing a plastic bag over your hand, picking up the bird with the covered hand, and pulling the bag around the bird. While West Nile Virus has not been shown to be transmitted to humans by touching an infected bird, it is prudent to avoid touching sick or dead birds with bare hands. Double bagging and sealing or tightly tying the bag shut should help prevent odors in the garbage.
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