WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Mosquitoes pass the virus to humans. West Nile fever includes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, chills and fever. Indications of a more serious form of West Nile include stiff neck, inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.

People over 50 and those with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease.

To reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:

• Avoid being outdoors during times that mosquitoes are most active — dusk and dawn.
• While outdoors, cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, shoes and socks and using insect repellent with DEET.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in tires, plastic containers, home gutters with leaves, children’s wading pools or similar water-holding containers.
• Make sure that window and door screens are in good repair.

West Nile is a concern all summer, but the peak season for West Nile is usually late August to early September. More information can be found on the Nebraska Health and Human Services System website at http://www.hhs.state.ne.us, or call us at 563-9656.