health alert!

Ouch, A MOSQUITO HAS BITTEN me!

Mosquito bites are no longer something to ignore.  Adults and their children must be aware of the potentially fatal West Nile virus as it continues to spread throughout the U.S.  “It is crucial to remain on guard against mosquitoes and the West Nile virus during this high-risk time of year,” said Medical Epidemiologist of the Passaic County Department of Health, Dr. Jadwiga Warwas, MD, MPH.  Mosquitoes will continue to breed until the first frost.  Protect yourself, your family and friends by understanding easy prevention recommendations, symptoms and what to do if you become ill.  Be prepared and take a few moments to read the following health alert.

Prevention

§         Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks while you are outdoors.

§         Use mosquito repellent when outdoors. 

§         Be sure to use repellent according to the label. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin.

§         If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin as well.

§         Use care in applying repellent to children: use less than 10% DEET, avoid their hands, mouth and eyes.

§         Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.

§         Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.

§         Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

§         Eliminate standing water, old tires, cans and blocked gutters from your property.

§         Empty or cover swimming pools when not in use, and change birdbath water at least once a week.

SYMPTOMS

§         Most people wo are infected with West Nile virus will not develop symptoms.

§         Mild symptoms (West Nile fever) will occur in approximately 20% of the people who become infected. Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body.

§         A severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) will develop in 1% of the people who become infected.  Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, dizziness, coma, shaking, weakness, and paralysis.

§         Symptoms of mild disease will generally last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks.

Treatment

§         If you or your family members develop symptoms such as severe headaches, high fever, confusion, and muscle weakness, contact your health care provider or emergency room immediately.

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