WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)

How can I find out how West Nile Virus is affecting Tulare County?

Each week we will be posting the West Nile Virus Activity Report for Tulare County. This report will provide information on how West Nile Virus is affecting our area.

What should I know about West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is an illness that can be spread to humans through mosquito bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , the best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquito season in Tulare County is from April 1 to October 31.

How can I protect myself?

Here's a check list to help you "fight the bite":

• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin AND on clothing when you are outside. (Read and follow product instructions.)
• Avoid going outside at dusk & dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when you must be outside during hours of the day that mosquitoes are active.
• Drain standing water around the house (including puddles, gutters, flower pots, tire swings, and garden equipment) to prevent mosquito breeding areas.
• Repair tears in screens on windows and doors.

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What should I know about WNV?

• WNV is NOT contagious by direct person to person contact. Birds are primary carriers of WNV and mosquitoes spread the disease from biting a bird then a human. Very few cases of WNV have been reported due to transfusions and transplants.
• Often, dead birds can be a sign that WNV is present in a certain area. Reporting dead birds to your local health department can help monitor WNV in your community. It is important NOT to handle the bird with bare hands.
• WNV is rare and most people infected by the disease only experience mild flu-like symptoms.
• Although people over the age of 50 have the highest risk of experiencing severe symptoms due to WNV, everyone needs to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

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What are the symptoms of WNV?

Symptoms of WNV are similar to flu symptoms:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mild skin rash

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Who do I call to report dead birds or livestock?

For information, or to report dead birds or dead livestock call the California Department of Health Services West Nile Hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD or visit the website at http://www.westnile.ca.gov.