Hotline to Help Protect People
From West Nile Virus
Contact: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director
(608) 266-1683
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MADISON, May 2, 2005) Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health and
Family Services is reactivating the statewide toll free West Nile virus
Hotline at (800) 433-1610 so people can call to report sick or dead crows,
blue jays or ravens.
"Dead wild birds act as an early warning system for West Nile
virus," said Dr. Patricia Fox, West Nile virus Surveillance
Coordinator. "While very few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, we
want to do all we can to protect someone from being bit by an infected
mosquito. Finding the virus in birds indicates that the virus is present
in the mosquito population."
In nature, the virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes. It is only
when a mosquito infected with the virus bites a person, instead of a bird,
that people become exposed to this virus. Less than 1% of those bitten by
an infected mosquito will develop 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 things that will help to 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
- wear long sleeve shirts and pants, shoes and socks when outdoors
- 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
- 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
The Department of Health and Family Services has monitored the spread
of West Nile virus since 2001. The surveillance program monitors wild
birds, horses, mosquitoes and humans 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 instances in 2004.
Symptoms of infection can include headache, high fever, muscle
weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and
coma. The symptoms usually show up between three to 15 days after being
bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus, although most people
infected will have no symptoms at all or will display only mild symptoms
of illness. People age 50 and older are at greater risk of developing
severe illness. 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 physician.
The Department of Health and Family Services collaborates with the
following to track West Nile virus: the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Wisconsin
State Laboratory of Hygiene, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, local
health departments and other local government agencies. The Wisconsin West
Nile virus hotline is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For more information on West Nile virus, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westNilevirus/
Last Revised: May 02, 2005 |
