West Nile Virus

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, a brain inflammation. West Nile virus was first detected in North America in 1999 in New York, and in Pennsylvania in 2000. Prior to that it had only been found in Africa, Eastern Europe, and West Asia.

How is West Nile Virus Transmitted?

The principle route of human infection with West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Where do Mosquitoes Breed?

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around the home. Weeds, tall grass, shrubbery and discarded tires also provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes. By eliminating places for mosquitoes to breed, we can go a long way to prevent West Nile virus.

How can I Protect Myself?

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise.

However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

Additional Precautions:

• Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
  
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
  
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
  
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
  
• Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
  
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.

How can you Reduce the Number of Mosquitoes Around your Home and Neighborhood?

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a small bucket that has stagnant water in it for seven days can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Here are some easy tips to eliminate standing water:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
  
• Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property.
  
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling and garbage containers that are left out doors. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
  
• Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
  
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis.
  
• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
  
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock then with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

Examples of Mosquito Breeding Areas

Water Garden

Information gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm and Pennsylvania’s West Nile Virus Surveillance Program http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/