How to protect yourself from West Nile Virus

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How to protect yourself from West Nile Virus

• Department of Public Health Division of
  Environmental Health/Vector Control

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WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?

• West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne virus.
• The virus has been found in parts of Asia,
  Eastern Europe, and the Middle East
• The virus was first detected in the United States
  in 1999 in New York City.
• The virus was first seen in San Bernardino County
  in 2004. There were 194 human cases reported and
  5 deaths.

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How do people and animals get West Nile Virus?

• West Nile Virus is transmitted to people and
  animals by infected mosquitoes.
• A mosquito first acquires the infection by
  feeding on a bird with virus in its blood.
• The virus lives on the mosquito and is
  transmitted to a new host in the mosquitos
  saliva when the insect bites a person or animal.

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What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

• The majority of people and animals infected with
  the virus will experience no symptoms or a mild
  to moderate case.
• The virus can cause a more serious condition
  called encephalitis, an inflammation of the
  brain.
• The elderly are at a higher risk for disease
  caused by West Nile Virus.

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What is Vector Control doing to Fight the Bite?

• Human Surveillance
• Mosquito Testing
• Sentinel Chicken Testing
• Animal Case Surveillance
• Dead Bird Surveillance
• Treatment of Green Pools and Stagnant Water

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Report Green Pools
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Report Neglected Pools
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Sentinel Chickens
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Dead Birds
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Fight the Bite with the 5 Ds

• Drain or Dump-Remove all standing water around
  your property where mosquitoes lay eggs such as
  birdbaths, green pools, ponds, old tires, etc.
• Dawn and Dusk-Avoid spending time outside when
  mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress-Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and
  long-sleeved shirts that are loose-fitting and
  light-colored.
• DEET-Apply insect repellent containing DEET
  according to manufacturers directions.
• Doors-Make sure doors and windows have
  tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens
  that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitoes
  from entering home.

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How can you help protect yourself and the
community

• Report Green Pools to Vector Control
  1-800-44ABATE
• Report Stagnant Water
• Report Dead Birds
• 1-877-WNV-BIRD
  

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Thank you for taking the time in making San
Bernardino County a safer place to live. If you
have any questions please contactKejal
PatelHealth Education Specialist(909) 387-3227
or Kpatel_at_dph.sbcounty.gov