West Nile Virus season arrives with warmer temps

Contributed to the Daily Sun

West Nile virus season is here again.

As the temperatures begin to warm up in the Sunland area, the threat for the West Nile virus that thrives in hot weather increases, particularly in the months of August and September, according to Public Health Solutions District Health Department officials.

West Nile virus, which is transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus from an infected bird, was reported in 163 people in 2007 and killed four people in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Health and Human Services WNV surveillance program.

Gage and Jefferson counties each reported one case of WNV in 2007. Johnson, Pawnee and Saline counties had no reports of WNV in humans.

With the climax of WNV season still ahead, it is important to prevent the spread of WNV:

n Avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk and mosquito-laden areas.

n If necessary, use insect repellent responsibly.

n Drain or fill in standing water pools on your property using natural substances, such as dirt, rocks and sand. Don’t forget about bird baths, pet dishes and toys in the yard.

n Remove or cover tire piles and make sure that no standing water is collecting on the cover. Cans, bottles, jars, buckets, drums and other containers should also be covered or emptied of standing water.

n Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets and move air conditioner drain hoses frequently. Eliminate puddles created by lawn-watering procedures.

n Spray mosquito roosting areas, usually found in leafy shade of shrubs, bushes, vines and flowers and in patches of tall grass and weeds.

There is no human vaccine for this virus, but early detection still provides the best chance for recovery. West Nile fever symptoms include fever and muscle weakness, according to PHS.

Meningitis, a complication of WNV, causes fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash. West Nile encephalitis, another complication, causes disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.

While the majority of those infected with WNV do not develop West Nile fever, either of the complications can cause permanent damage or even death, particularly in immune-compromised patients.

PHS District Health Department has once again been collaborating with the Nebraska Health and Human Service System to conduct a surveillance program for West Nile virus.

By testing dead birds and mosquitoes, public health officials get an early indicator of the virus activity in the area and the risk to human beings of contracting the disease.

Dead bird collection began on May 31 and will continue through the end of October. If you find dead birds that meet the following criteria you should immediately contact the Public Health Solutions at 1-888-310-0565:

n The bird is a blue jay, crow, hawk or owl (these are the most common WNV carriers).

n The bird has been dead less than 24 hours (no maggots, sunken eyes, strong smell, etc.)

n The bird does not appear to have died from other causes (striking a car or window, being attacked by another animal, etc.)

If the bird is a suitable specimen, PHS personnel will arrange to pick it up and send it for testing. If it is not suitable, personnel will instruct you in safe disposal of the bird.

For more information about the surveillance project and about protecting yourself against West Nile virus, visit www.phsneb.org.