WEST NILE VIRUS - GENERAL INFORMATION

Although the disease can be fatal to the immuno-compromised, most people infected with the virus have no illness or, at most, they experience symptoms similar to a mild flu with fever, headache and fatigue. In RARE cases, the virus multiplies in the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (swelling of the meninges of the brain). In addition to fever, headache and drowsiness, those infected will experience loss of muscular power, double vision, speech impairment, convulsions and coma.

This disease, although a public health concern, should not be viewed as a devastating epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control, less than 1 percent of mosquitos are infected with West Nile virus and less than 1 percent of infected mosquitos will actually transmit the disease.

CONTROL PRACTICES

In an effort to control the disease, routine larvaciding (control practices targeting the developing mosquito) and adulticiding (targeting the adult mosquito) are employed. Surveillance of collected mosquitos is conducted across the state to monitor for the presence of the virus. If the virus were detected, increased control practices would be implemented at that locale and immediate areas.

To reduce mosquito populations, basic control practices can be implemented. Eliminating standing water is the key in mosquito control because even small amounts of water can provide breeding and development sites for hundreds to thousands of mosquitos. Pet water bowls should be dumped and refilled regularly, as well as bird baths, potted plants, etc. Outside storage of items that can collect and hold water (example - tires) is prohibited. When outdoors, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, wear protective clothing and use DEET sprays according to label. Keep lawns mowed and remove unnecessary vegetation. Because the disease can be transmitted to horses, horse-owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian regarding vaccination. Contact the Mosquito Control Hotline at 972-329-8715 to place a service request to have your area treated for mosquitos, to hear the latest regarding reported cases of West Nile Virus in Mesquite and to learn about the discontinuation of bird specimen testing.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING WNV:

http://www.cityofmesquite.com/news.php?Story=60
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/diseases/Arboviral/westNile/westnile.asp or http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/diseases/Arboviral/westNile/WNVfact.pdf