Mosquitos and West Nile Virus in Greene County
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The Greene County Health Department (GCHD) has confirmed a positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus (WNV) located in Greene County. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile Virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks. However, four out of five people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus. The best way to prevent the chance of getting infected with West Nile Virus or any other mosquitoborne disease is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions involve practicing the three “R’s”: reduce, repel and report. REDUCE exposure – avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. ν Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. ν Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. ν Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. ν Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including flower pots, wading pools, outdoor toys, old tires and any other receptacles. Change bird baths weekly. REPEL when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
