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ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES. WEST NILE VIRUS IN ARIZONA. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)?. Mosquito-borne virus which occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East First appeared in U.S. in N.Y. in 1999, first appeared in Arizona in 2003
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ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES WEST NILE VIRUS IN ARIZONA
WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)? • Mosquito-borne virus which occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East • First appeared in U.S. in N.Y. in 1999, first appeared in Arizona in 2003 • WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord)
West Nile Virus Transmission Cycle Mosquito vector Incidental infections West Nile virus West Nile virus Incidental infections Bird reservoir hosts
WNV TRANSMISSION • Affects humans, horses, birds, and others (tree squirrels, goats, llamas) • Transmitted via infected mosquitoes • Also transmitted through blood and blood products, organ transplants from infected individuals, breast feeding and laboratory exposure • Blood supply is screened - since 7/03
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? • Everyone is at risk- ALL AGES • You can “fight the bite” • The chance of becoming seriously ill is low • Most people who are infected don’t get sick or have very mild symptoms • Approximately 20% may experience flu-like symptoms lasting several days to many weeks (West Nile Fever)
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? - continued • There is no treatment specific for human WNV infection (supportive care) • There is no vaccine for human WNV infection at this time • Infected mosquitoes are night biters • Most new Arizona cases to date are located within Maricopa County
SIGNS AND SYMTOMS • Symptoms may include fever, headache, swollen glands, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes rash • Contact a health care provider if symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, confusion and/or disorientation
HOW DO I PREVENT WNV? • Reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and in your neighborhood: • Reduce or eliminate standing water • Fix or install window and door screens • Take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites
MOSQUITO CONTROL • Reduce or eliminate standing water around your home, as mosquitoes breed in water: • Dispose of or turn upside down any cans, containers, or empty ceramic pots • Remove all discarded tires from your property • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers kept outdoors
MOSQUITO CONTROL - continued • Change water in bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots at least 2x per week • Clean vegetation and debris from ponds • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs • Turn over plastic wading pools, canoes, wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use
MOSQUITO CONTROL - continued • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property • Make sure gutters are cleaned and drained properly • Drain water from pool covers • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets • Drain evaporative coolers when not in use during the monsoon season
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS • Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors after dusk when mosquitoes are most active • Avoid outside activity at dusk and dawn during peak mosquito season • Use a mosquito repellent, according to directions when outdoors
REPELLENT • Repellent can be applied onto clothing • Don’t apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin • Be sure to wash it off after returning indoors • Don’t spray repellent in enclosed areas • Don’t spray directly onto your face
WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? • Children are at risk for WNV illness • Follow personal precaution guidelines: • Insect repellent should always be used according to product label • Check with your health care provider for further information • Keep repellents out of reach of children
ANIMALS & WNV • Horses • Horses can be vaccinated against WNV • See your large animal vet • Dogs & cats • Very rare • Contact your veterinarian for information about pets and livestock
WHAT ARE HEALTH OFFICIALS DOING ABOUT WNV IN AZ? • Monitoring WNV activity through: • Mosquito trapping and testing • Dead bird testing • Sick horse reporting • Sentinel chicken testing • Conducting mosquito control in higher risk areas • Monitoring human cases • State, local county and tribal agencies are working together to prevent WNV
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • www.westnileaz.com • Your local health department • Maricopa County • West Nile Virus hotline (602) 747-7500 • Fogging Hotline (602) 372-3000 • Arizona Department of Health Services West Nile Virus hotline: • Metro Phoenix (602) 364-4500 • Outside of Maricopa County 1-800-314-9243