West
Nile Virus
In
the fall of 1999, New York City and the lower Hudson Valley
experienced an outbreak of West Nile encephalitis that was
spread by mosquitoes that had fed on infected birds. Since
then, West Nile virus has spread throughout New York State,
including Columbia County. While birds, mammals and mosquitoes
from Columbia County have been found to be infected with
West Nile virus, so far there have been no human cases in
our county. However, as warmer weather approaches we need
to continue to be diligent in our efforts to prevent this
potentially serious disease.
Symptoms
of West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) include
fever, headache, body aches, often with skin rash and neck
stiffness. Most infections are mild, however the disease
has caused a number of deaths.
The
most effective way for individuals to protect themselves
against West Nile encephalitis is to avoid mosquitoes (Mosquito
Lifecycle) that may carry the virus.
Remove
any items that may collect standing water from your property.
These items create breeding areas for mosquitoes. Breeding
habitats around the home include: discarded tires, unwashed
bird baths, cans, plastic containers, clogged rain gutters
and plastic wading pools allowed to stagnate through disuse.
Avoid
unnecessary outdoor activity during evening and nighttime
hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquitoes
can be kept out of the home by keeping windows; doors and
porches tightly screened (16-18 mesh). Those insects that
do get into the home can be eliminated with a fly swatter
or an aerosol spray.
Applying
an insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to exposed
skin can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten by
a mosquito. It is important to read and follow all directions
and precautions on the product label.
On
children, never use products containing more than 10% DEET,
and do not apply any DEET containing product to children's
hands.
Numerous
devices are available for purchase, which claim to attract,
repel or kill outdoor infestations of mosquitoes. Most of
these devices are ineffective and should be thoroughly researched
before being purchased.
Insect
electrocutors (bug zappers) utilizing ultraviolet light as
an attractant have been shown to be ineffective in reducing
outdoor populations of mosquitoes or their biting activity.
For
more information about protecting yourself from mosquitoes,
proper use of DEET insect repellents, information about West
Nile virus, or to report dead birds, call the Columbia County
Department of Health at 828-3358 Ext. 3
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