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Don't let mosquitoes come to your
Fourth of July festivities. Recent storms and flooding in our
Silver Spring community are creating the perfect breeding ground for
mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases.
So keep insect repellent handy all year round and get rid of mosquito
breeding sites in the yard.
Just one mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases.
To prevent illness from WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, remember:
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Use Mosquito Repellent
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Eliminate Mosquito Breeding
Sites
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Install or Repair Window and
Door Screens
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Support Community-Based Mosquito
Control Programs
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Protect yourself from West Nile Virus
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Accessible
Medical Care
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What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered
active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect
repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider
staying indoors during these hours.
Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep
mosquitoes out.
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from
flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and
replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so
water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides
when they aren't being used.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one
in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe
symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision
loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and
neurological effects may be permanent.
Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who
become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches,
nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on
the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few
days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4
out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is
spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected
when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread
WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child.
In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through
blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during
pregnancy from mother to baby.
Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as
touching or kissing a person with the virus.
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are
bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection
Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder
symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass
on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several
weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital
where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous
fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Should I Do if I
Think I Have WNV?
Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily
need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose
to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as
unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention
immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their
doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of
Getting Sick from WNV?
People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age
of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get
sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the
more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to
avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either
working or playing.
Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is
checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood
transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent
people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to
your doctor.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV.
The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through
breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you
have concerns.
What Is the CDC Doing
About WNV?
CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and
Drug Administration and other government agencies, as well as private
industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.
Some things CDC is doing include:
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Coordinating a nation-wide
electronic database where states share information about WNV
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Helping states develop and carry out
improved mosquito prevention and control programs
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Developing better, faster tests to
detect and diagnose WNV
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Creating new education tools and
programs for the media, the public, and health professionals
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Opening new testing laboratories for
WNV
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Working with partners on the
development of vaccines
What Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands.
Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and
disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after
they log your report. |
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