vector surveillance :west nile virus

SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS

  1. Milder Symptoms: Fever, headache, body aches, rash swollen glands

  2. Severe Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, confusion, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma

If you believe you may have West Nile Virus, contact your physician immediately.

how to stop west nile virus

  1. Every 2-3 days, drain water from outside pet dishes, garbage cans, buckets, toys, flower pots, wading pools, pool covers, bird baths, and other objects that can collect water.

  2. Discard any old tires and unused containers.

  3. Clean gutters.

  4. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins.

  5. Properly treat water in large pools and hole ponds. (Contact us for guidelines).

Keep Mosquitoes Off

  1. When possible, stay inside at dusk, dawn and other times of heavy mosquito activity.

  2. Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks.

  3. Wear light colored clothing.

  4. Keep windows and door screens repaired.

Use Insect Repellent Properly

  1. Use a product with DEET (up to 35-50% DEET for adults, no more than 10% for children).

  2. Do not use DEET for children under 2 years of age.

  3. Put repellent only on exposed skin and clothes (NOT near eyes, nose, mouth, cuts/irritated skin or children's hands).

  4. Wash exposed skin and clothes after coming indoors.

how to report a dead bird

  • By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile Virus.

  • Found specimens may be tested only if the bird has been dead for less than 24 hrs and there is no sign of decay.

  • There is no cost to you for reporting a dead bird.

  • If you discover a dead bird after 4:00pm Monday - Friday, or on a weekend/holiday:

    • Refrigerate the bird or store it on ice

    • Call our office at 217-245-5111 the next business day