Amador County –The Amador County Public Health Department urges community members to use preventive measures against West Nile Virus, as the rainy season continues in the county. Mosquitoes can carry organisms that cause disease in humans. In California the main disease is West Nile Virus which is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mild symptoms in people infected with WNV include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a
skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Most people recover without treatment but a small percentage can become very ill with neurological symptoms. Serious symptoms in less than 1% of those infected with WNV can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The only treatment is supportive. People over age 50 have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. Being outside at dawn and dusk are high risk times when mosquitoes bite the most. Avoiding mosquitoes can be done by protecting yourself and your family if spending a lot of time outside by applying a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants also help. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses, and horse owners are urged to consult their veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations. Currently Amador County does not operate a mosquito abatement program, so it is crucial for county residents to do their part. Amador County Agriculture Department recommends removing standing water, and also placing mosquito fish in ponds and fountains. Mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae. Copper Crayfish bait shop in Copperopolis is one local place that sells mosquito fish. Another control method is spraying, and Foothill Sierra Pest Control will spray for the pests. Public Health recommended reducing and eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Drain water from old tires and eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets or other containers. Empty and change bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week. See information at www.cdfa.ca.gov, or call Amador public health at 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:16
Long Rainy Season Increases Risk For West Nile Virus
Amador County –The Amador County Public Health Department urges community members to use preventive measures against West Nile Virus, as the rainy season continues in the county. Mosquitoes can carry organisms that cause disease in humans. In California the main disease is West Nile Virus which is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mild symptoms in people infected with WNV include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a
skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Most people recover without treatment but a small percentage can become very ill with neurological symptoms. Serious symptoms in less than 1% of those infected with WNV can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The only treatment is supportive. People over age 50 have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. Being outside at dawn and dusk are high risk times when mosquitoes bite the most. Avoiding mosquitoes can be done by protecting yourself and your family if spending a lot of time outside by applying a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants also help. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses, and horse owners are urged to consult their veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations. Currently Amador County does not operate a mosquito abatement program, so it is crucial for county residents to do their part. Amador County Agriculture Department recommends removing standing water, and also placing mosquito fish in ponds and fountains. Mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae. Copper Crayfish bait shop in Copperopolis is one local place that sells mosquito fish. Another control method is spraying, and Foothill Sierra Pest Control will spray for the pests. Public Health recommended reducing and eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Drain water from old tires and eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets or other containers. Empty and change bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week. See information at www.cdfa.ca.gov, or call Amador public health at 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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