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