|
CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
State
Activates Dead Bird Reporting Hotline to Track West Nile Virus
MADISON - State health officials announce they have reactivated
the statewide, toll-free Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
Hotline staff can answer questions about dead birds and provide
information on safe handling and disposal. The bird may also be tested for
West Nile virus.
"People should not use their bare hands to handle dead birds,
which act as an early warning system for West Nile virus," said Dr.
Sheri Johnson, State Health Officer. "While very few mosquitoes
actually carry the virus, finding West Nile virus in dead birds indicates
it may be present in the local mosquito population and that people should
take precautions to avoid mosquito bites."
West Nile virus (WNV) is an infection that can occur in warm weather
months when mosquitoes are active. The virus is spread to people primarily
by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get infected
with WNV by feeding on infected birds and they can transmit the virus to
other animals, birds, and humans.
Most people infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms.
Of the approximately twenty percent of infected people who do develop
symptoms, most have milder symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches,
and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach
and back. Symptoms begin between 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an
infected mosquito and typically last a few days, although people have
become ill for several weeks. People who become ill should contact their
healthcare provider.
In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause severe disease with symptoms
in addition to headache and fever, such as muscle weakness, stiff neck,
disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma, and potentially
death. Older people are at greater risk of developing severe illness.
Preventing mosquito bites will prevent West Nile virus infection. Since
all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle,
reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites,
mosquito numbers and the risk for mosquito bites. Below are some measures
to help decrease exposure to mosquitoes:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most
active.
- Apply insect repellant to skin and spray clothing with insect
repellant since mosquitoes may bite through clothing. CDC recommends
using products that contain active ingredients approved and registered
by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent
mosquito entry.
- Properly dispose of items that hold water such as tin cans, plastic
containers, ceramic pots or discarded tires.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in
use.
- Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three
days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs;
drain water from pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to
rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus other than to treat
symptoms. If you think you have a West Nile virus infection, contact your
healthcare provider.
State health officials have monitored the spread of WNV since 2001. The
surveillance program monitors wild birds, horses and people for West Nile
virus. In 2002, the state documented its first human infections with 52
human cases. This was followed by 17 human cases in 2003, and 12 in 2004,
17 in 2005, 21 in 2006, and 12 in 2007.
For more information on West Nile virus, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westNilevirus/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
For information regarding mosquito repellents, go to
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm
-END-
Last Revised: May 28, 2008 |
