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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2004
(973)
225-3638
PATERSON - Mosquito bites are no longer something to ignore. When
dealing with West Nile Virus, avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to
avoid illness.
West Nile Virus is an illness primarily passed on to people by
mosquitoes that feed on infected birds carrying the virus in their
bloodstream. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not become
ill, and less than 1% of the people who get infected will get severely
ill.
However, even mild symptoms of the infection can cause discomfort, which
can include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally
with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. More
severe symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness,
disorientation, brain swelling, coma, and, rarely, death.
Although people of all ages can become ill, adults over 50 are at
greatest risk. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear in 5-15 days
from the time you were bitten. If you think you or a family member has
been infected, it is important that you talk to your family doctor for
advice.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but in more severe
cases, patients may need hospitalization, fluids and breathing support.
Protect yourself, your family and friends by avoiding mosquito bites,
and mosquito-proofing your home and community.
AVOID MOSQUITO BITES
Repellents
When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET.
Spraying thin clothing with repellent containing DEET or permethrin will
give extra protection.
If you spray your clothing with DEET, there is no need to spray it on
the skin as well.
For children, adults should apply repellent with less than 10% DEET, and
avoid their hands, mouth and eyes.
Don’t apply repellents with permethrin directly to your skin.
It is important to read and follow all product label directions before
using the repellent.
Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks while you are outdoors.
Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with
infants.
MOSQUITO-PROOF YOUR HOME AND COMMUNITY
Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get
indoors.
Drain standing water from tires, buckets, recycling containers, tin
cans, bottles, pool covers, flowerpots, birdbaths, rain barrels, gutters
and wheelbarrows.
Empty or cover swimming pools when not in use, and change birdbath water
at least once a week.
Report dead crows on or near your property to your local health
department. Do not touch the bird. Local health staff will come to
collect the bird.
For further information on countywide mosquito spraying times and
location, visit the Passaic County Department of Health website at
http://www.pcdh.org/Departments/Mosquito_Control/WestNileInfo.htm or
contact the PCDH Mosquito Control Division at (973) 305-5754 for further
information.
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