Protect yourself from West Nile Virus

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Venita Ramirez
  • 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The West Nile Virus has been found here in the Wichita Falls area recently. The 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Office would like to remind Sheppard of the steps to prevent becoming infected. 

WNV is a potentially serious illness transmitted primarily by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes infected with WNV were originally found in Northeastern states in 1999, and the virus has spread to all states in the continental United States. 

Most people who get infected do not develop any symptoms; however, about 20 percent of those infected develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. 

More severe symptoms occur in about one-in-150 people infected. The best method of protection is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and to mosquito bites. 

· When outdoors, use insect repellents containing an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent and follow the directions on the package. 

· Many mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. 

· Be sure to have good screens on all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. 

· Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used. 

For additional information including prevention tips, contact the Public Health department at 676-8271, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/westnile.