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West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is here, and it can happen to you.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is an illness that can be
spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the
virus by biting an infected animal, usually a bird. West Nile Virus activity occurs during the
summer and into the fall.
Who is at risk?
People who spend a lot of time outside are
more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito.
Although the risk for infection is low (less than 1%), we encourage you all to
be informed and protected!
Remember . . .
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West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites.
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Most people who become infected experience no symptoms at all, or mild flu-like symptoms.
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West Nile Virus can be fatal in a very small percentage of cases.
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Call your doctor if you think you might have West Nile Virus.
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Report dead birds (call 1-877-968-2473).
Protect Yourself
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Avoid going outside in the early morning and early evening hours.
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If you do go out, wear long pants and long sleeve shirts.
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Use effective mosquito repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus
Keep your home and Yard Safe
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Green pools breed mosquitoes! Maintain your pools.
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Stock ponds with mosquito eating fish.
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Get rid of standing water and puddles. Do not over water your lawn or garden.
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Empty water out of buckets, old tires, flowerpots and toys.
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Clean and hose out birdbaths weekly.
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Change water every few days from pet bowls.
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Cover containers or turn empty containers upside down so they do not hold water.
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Cover trashcans and clean weekly
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Make sure screens on doors and windows are tight fitting, and in good repair with no holes.
For more information on West Nile Virus contact the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency
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Call 558-8425 for West Nile Virus information
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Call 1-877-968-2473 to report dead birds
Visit these websites for more information about West Nile virus.
Centers for Diseae Control (CDC)
Stanislaus County Health Services Agency
StanEmergency.com
Sources: Stanislaus county West Nile Task force, Stanislaus County Health Services.
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