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West Nile Virus: Protecting Yourself and Your Family
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito first becomes infected when it feeds off of infected birds. The virus has been found in dead crows, jays, ravens, and magpies. In the United States, crows are the most commonly reported birds infected with WNV. The virus does not cause illness in dogs or cats, but horses can become infected with it.
Most people who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms. The ones who do become ill may have mild symptoms that include: fever, headache, body aches, nausea, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and/or swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain), or meningeoncephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and the membrane occur). Severe symptoms may include: high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, paralysis, and possibly death.
The greatest risk is to people with weakened immune systems and the elderly. The time between the mosquito bit and the symptoms range from 5-15 days in humans. Approximately 1 in every 150 people who are infected with WNV are hospitalized.
How to protect yourself and your family:
You can take measures to protect yourself and your family. The peak mosquito season is between May and October.
To decrease the mosquito population:
1. Properly maintain swimming pools, wading pools, and spas.
2. Stock large troughs with mosquitofish and clean small containers weekly.
3. Clean and change water in bird baths once a week.
4. Stock permanent ponds, fountains, and water gardens with fish that eat mosquito larvae. You can call the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District for availability.
5. Regularly clean rain gutters of debris to prevent water from puddling.
6. Avoid over-irrigating lawns and fields. Drain low areas that accumulate water.
7. Drain all standing water on property.
8. Ensure doors and windows have tight fitting screens that are in good repair.
To decrease exposure to mosquitoes:
1. Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk during then mosquito season, May-October.
2. Wear loose fitting, long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors
3. Use approved mosquito repellants containing DEET. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
For More Information Contact:
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
1145 N. Azusa Canyon Road
West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 814-9466 www.sgvmosquito.org
LA County WNV Hotline: 1-800-975-4448
www.lapublichealth.org/acd/VectorWestNile.htm
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile
To Report Dead Birds:
877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473)
www.westnile.ca.gov
WNV in Horses:
CDFA Animal Health Branch: (916) 654-1447
www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/wnv_info.htm
Source: San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District:
"West Nile Virus: Protect Yourself and Your Family. Important Facts and Safety Tips."
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| Contact Information |
Citrus Valley Medical Center – Inter-Community Campus
210 W. San Bernardino Road
Covina, CA 91723
Phone: (626) 331-7331
Citrus Valley Medical Center – Queen of the Valley Campus
1115 S. Sunset Ave.
West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-4011
Foothill Presbyterian Hospital
250 S. Grand Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741
Phone: (626) 963-8411
Citrus Valley Hospice
820 N. Phillips Ave.
West Covina, CA 91791
Phone: (626) 859-2263
Citrus Valley Home Health
820 N. Phillips Ave.
West Covina, CA 91791
Phone: (626) 859-2263
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