West Nile
Q: What is West Nile virus?
A: West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
Q: How is West Nile virus spread?
A: West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus.  You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.
Q: Are older adults more at risk for West Nile virus?
A: Yes. While the chance of anyone becoming infected with West Nile virus is very low, most cases in New York City have occurred in people older than 50. People in this age group, especially the elderly, are also more likely to develop severe diseases, such as encephalitis or meningitis, if they become infected.
Q: Where did West Nile virus come from?
A: Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred in Africa, Egypt, Israel, Asia, Romania, Russia and France. Before 1999, however, West Nile virus had never before been found in the Americas. The most likely explanation for its appearance here is that the virus was introduced by an infected bird that was imported or an infected person returning from a country where the virus is common.
Q: Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
A: There is currently no evidence that West Nile virus can be spread directly from birds to people. However, dead birds can carry a variety of diseases and, therefore, should never be handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in double-plastic bags and then place in the outdoor trash.
Q: Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus directly from other insects or ticks?
A: Infected mosquitoes are the primary source of West Nile virus. There is no evidence to suggest that ticks or other insects transmit West Nile virus.
Q: What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
A: Most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as a fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may also develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness (coma), or muscle weakness, and may be fatal.
Q: Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile encephalitis?
A: There is no documented evidence that a pregnant woman or her fetus are at increased risk due to infection with West Nile virus.
Q: How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
A: There is no specific therapy. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, i.e., hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilatory support (ventilator) if needed, prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care.
Q: Is there a vaccine against West Nile virus?
A: No. A vaccine for West Nile virus does not exist.
Q: How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected mosquito?
A: Being bitten by an infected mosquito will not necessarily make you sick. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or experience only mild illness. If illness were to occur, it would occur within 3 to15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Q: What should I do if I think I have West Nile encephalitis?
A: If you develop signs of encephalitis, with fever, muscle weakness, and confusion, you should seek medical care immediately.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A: From April to October, when mosquitoes are most active, take the following precautions:
If outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes, people should wear protective clothing, such as long pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, and consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET.
Products with a low concentration of DEET may be appropriate for situations where exposure to mosquitoes is minimal. Higher concentrations of DEET may be useful in highly infested areas or with species that are more difficult to repel. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents used on children should not contain more than 10% DEET. Concentrations of up to 30% DEET have been shown to be acceptable for adults. Where appropriate, consider using non-chemical ways to deter biting insects such as protective clothing (as outlined above), window and door screens, and wearable netting when camping.
Use DEET according to manufacturer's directions on the label.
Store DEET out of reach of children.
Use caution when using repellents containing DEET on children.
Do not apply DEET directly on to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.
Do not apply on hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves.
As with chemical exposure in general, pregnant women should take care to avoid exposures to repellents when practical.
Wash all treated skin and clothing with soap and water after returning indoors.
Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Depending on the concentration of DEET in a product, it can be effective for approximately 3-6 hours. Avoid prolonged or excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing.
Do not apply to skin covered by clothing.
* Note that vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, and incense have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Q: What can I do around my home to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes?
A: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow-moving (such as streams or creeks) water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes. They can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens.
Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes. Remove all discarded tires from your property.
Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
Drain water from pool covers. Change the water in bird baths every 3 to 4 days.
Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
Some local hardware stores may carry a product called Mosquito Dunk® that contains a larvicide —Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI)— for use in areas of standing water around the home. The Berkeley County Health Department recommends eliminating standing water around the home to reduce breeding sites for mosquitoes and warns that direct handling of larvicides may cause skin and eye irritation. If these products are purchased for home use, we recommend careful reading of the hazards label, directions, and details regarding storage and handling.
Q: What health risks are posed to people and pets from pesticides for adult mosquitoes?
A: If pesticides are sprayed to control adult mosquitoes, the products that will be applied will be used according to guidelines set by the EPA and the NYSDEC. In the small amounts used, risks to people and pets are relatively low. However, some people may be more sensitive to such pesticides and may want to reduce their chance of exposure by following the suggestions below. Persons directly exposed to these pesticides may experience short term eye or throat irritation or rash. There could be an odor associated with pesticides, but it will pass in a few hours.
Q: Will the public be notified in advance about spraying activities?
A: If spraying becomes necessary, residents can learn about schedules in advance of spraying activities through public service radio and television announcements, and newspapers.
Q: If the spraying is needed using pesticides for adult mosquitoes, what should I do during the spraying?
A: If spraying becomes necessary, the Berkeley County Health Department recommends that all individuals take the following precautions to avoid direct exposure to pesticides and reduce the risk of reactions:
Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen those conditions.
Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to reduce the possibility of exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the recirculate function.
If you wish to minimize your exposure to pesticides, you may want to bring children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas inside during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, they may be washed with soap and water to reduce the possibility of exposure.
Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
Q: If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been reported, and I am bitten by a mosquito, am I likely to get sick?
A: Evidence indicates that the chance of human infection and illness resulting from West Nile virus is very low. People older than 50, especially the elderly, are those most likely to get seriously ill if they become infected, and should, therefore, take the greatest care to prevent exposure to mosquito bites.
Q: I've gotten a mosquito bite. Should I be tested for West Nile virus?
A: No. Illnesses related to mosquito bites are still uncommon. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light. Patients with mild symptoms should recover completely, and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.
Q: Should I report dead birds to the Health Department?
A: The Berkeley County Health Department urges residents to report all dead bird sightings within the county, especially crows and blue jays. This will assist us in our efforts to monitor possible WNV activity. However, while every report is important to our monitoring efforts, we will be collecting only a sample of the dead birds and not every dead bird reported. If you are not contacted to arrange pick up of the dead bird within 2 business days of making the report or are unable to bring the bird into the Health Department within that 2 day period, please dispose of the dead bird. While there is currently no evidence that West Nile virus can be spread directly from birds to people, dead birds can carry other diseases and, therefore, should never be handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in double-plastic bags and then place in the outdoor trash.
** Note **
Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.
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Berkeley County Health Department