Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
WEST NILE FACTS
<!-- begin body-content --> With the West Nile virus season getting under way, here are some tips for avoiding infection, reporting dead birds and getting more information.
How the virus is spread and its effects:
The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect birds, horses and other animals, and people. About 20 percent of the time, it results in a flu-like illness with fever, headache and muscle pain lasting two or three days. People who have symptoms and know they have been bitten by a mosquito should contact their physicians.
In severe cases, West Nile causes a potentially fatal brain inflammation. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Infections are more prevalent in summer and fall, when mosquitoes are more active.
Avoiding West Nile virus
? There is no vaccine approved for humans. The best prevention is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
? Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
? Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when in mosquito territory, and use insect repellent containing DEET.
Stopping mosquitoes at home:
Getting rid of standing water will help keep your yard from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.
Decorative ponds, water gardens: Stock with mosquito fish, available for free from many county vector control programs.
Bird baths, wading pools: Change water weekly.
Swimming pools, spas: Operate filter and skimmer every day to remove eggs and larvae. Keep covers clear of standing water.
Rain gutters: Clean frequently to remove leaf litter and pools of water that may have formed behind it.
Unused containers: Turn upside down or store indoors.
Boats: Keep tightly covered. Drain cover weekly if necessary.
In-ground utility boxes: Check for standing water and drain.
Old tires: Remove, or drill drainage holes.
Who can help
Santa Clara County Vector Control: www.sccvector.org or (408) 918-4770.
San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement: www.smcmad.org or (650) 344-8592
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement: www.mosquitoes.org or (510) 783-7744
Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control District: (831) 454-2590.
San Benito County Public Health Department: (831) 637-5367
To report dead birds, which may be collected for testing: California West Nile Virus Hotline, www.westnile.ca.gov or (877) 968-2473
Source: Bay Area counties, California Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mercury News research
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/14985604.htm
<!-- begin body-content --> With the West Nile virus season getting under way, here are some tips for avoiding infection, reporting dead birds and getting more information.
How the virus is spread and its effects:
The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect birds, horses and other animals, and people. About 20 percent of the time, it results in a flu-like illness with fever, headache and muscle pain lasting two or three days. People who have symptoms and know they have been bitten by a mosquito should contact their physicians.
In severe cases, West Nile causes a potentially fatal brain inflammation. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Infections are more prevalent in summer and fall, when mosquitoes are more active.
Avoiding West Nile virus
? There is no vaccine approved for humans. The best prevention is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
? Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
? Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when in mosquito territory, and use insect repellent containing DEET.
Stopping mosquitoes at home:
Getting rid of standing water will help keep your yard from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.
Decorative ponds, water gardens: Stock with mosquito fish, available for free from many county vector control programs.
Bird baths, wading pools: Change water weekly.
Swimming pools, spas: Operate filter and skimmer every day to remove eggs and larvae. Keep covers clear of standing water.
Rain gutters: Clean frequently to remove leaf litter and pools of water that may have formed behind it.
Unused containers: Turn upside down or store indoors.
Boats: Keep tightly covered. Drain cover weekly if necessary.
In-ground utility boxes: Check for standing water and drain.
Old tires: Remove, or drill drainage holes.
Who can help
Santa Clara County Vector Control: www.sccvector.org or (408) 918-4770.
San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement: www.smcmad.org or (650) 344-8592
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement: www.mosquitoes.org or (510) 783-7744
Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control District: (831) 454-2590.
San Benito County Public Health Department: (831) 637-5367
To report dead birds, which may be collected for testing: California West Nile Virus Hotline, www.westnile.ca.gov or (877) 968-2473
Source: Bay Area counties, California Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mercury News research
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/14985604.htm
