West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus has recently emerged in North America as a threat
to both public and animal health. West Nile (WN) virus has emerged
in recent years in temperate regions of Europe and North America,
presenting a threat to public, equine, and animal health. Since
first being found in 1999 in the northeastern part of the United
States it has slowly spread towards the South and West. In August,
a crow found in southeastern Marion County tested positive for
the West Nile virus, indicating that the disease has spread to
Indiana.
You can lessen your risk from this virus by minimizing your exposure
to mosquitoes. Wearing long sleeves and pants in mosquito-infested
areas, using repellants that contain DEET, and limiting your activities
at dawn and dusk will all help minimize your risk. Eliminating
areas of standing water so that mosquitoes can not lay their eggs
near your home will help limit your exposure to mosquitoes.
Symptoms of this virus usually appear 5-15 days after being bit
by an infected mosquito. Human symptoms include: high fever, headache
and bodyaches, skin rash, swollen lymph glands, neck stiffness,
disorientation and convulsions. The most serious symptom of WN
virus infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
in humans and horses. It can kill certain domestic and wild birds.
People with a fever or who don't feel well after a mosquito bite
are urged to call a doctor.
The NAL web site links to comprehensive information sites on
West Nile Virus maintained by credible sources, including the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of the
Interior/U.S. Geological Survey's invasive species program. The
sources provide information about disease transmission, susceptibility
and prevention for humans and livestock, along with detailed descriptions
of federal, state and local government disease surveillance and
control activities. Further information can be found at: West Nile Virus Factsheet
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/westnf.pdf |
