Minimizing Exposure to West Nile Virus
Contact: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director
(608) 266-1683
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MADISON, June 17, 2005) - The
Department of Health and Family Services today confirmed three cases of
West Nile virus (WNV) in dead birds collected from Kenosha, Pierce and
Rock counties. The Department
is issuing tips for minimizing human exposure to the virus.
"No
human cases of West Nile virus in Wisconsin have been reported this
year,” said Patricia Fox, Chief of the Department’s
Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section.
“We will continue to monitor the mosquito and dead bird
population until November, but remind people to protect themselves all
season long.”
Below
are tips to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes when outdoors:
- Use
effective mosquito repellant and apply according to the label
instructions.
- Wear
long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes.
- Avoid
being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically
around dawn and dusk.
- Keep
window screens repaired so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.
Wisconsin
has been conducting dead bird surveillance of crows, blue jays, and ravens
since May 2nd as part of the Department’s plan to monitor the spread of
West Nile virus in the state. A
positive test confirms that the virus is present in the area, but does not
mean there is an imminent health risk to the community.
Less
than one percent of people bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile
virus will become seriously ill. About
twenty percent may develop mild symptoms which include headache,
fever, muscle pains, a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and nausea and
vomiting.
To
help reduce the mosquito population, it is important to get rid of
standing water. Below are some
steps you can take in your own yard:
- Dispose
of discarded tires, cans, or plastic containers left outside that may
contain water.
- Drain
standing water from pool or hot tub covers.
- Turn
over plastic wading pools and wheel barrows when not in use.
- Change
the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days.
- Keep
drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will
drain properly.
- Clean
gutters to ensure they drain properly.
In
2004, 12 human cases of West Nile virus were diagnosed in Wisconsin, while
17 cases were diagnosed in 2003. In addition, last year a total of 122
birds and 19 horses were tested positive for WNV in Wisconsin.
To
report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, call the West Nile Virus
Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
More
information about West Nile virus is available at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dph_bcd/westnilevirus/.
-END-
Last Revised: December 19, 2007 |
