West Nile Virus is an infection that is spread to people by the bite of an
infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting a bird that carries
the virus. The disease usually only causes a mild illness, but it can cause
encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis, or in rare cases, death.
Throughout mosquito season, the Sedgwick County Health Department traps
mosquito specimens in various areas in the county to be tested for West Nile
Virus.
Tips for preventing West Nile Virus include:
Reduce Mosquito Breeding
- Eliminating standing water in your yard will reduce mosquito
breeding. This could include water in old tires, flower pots, abandoned
swimming pools, folded tarps, bird baths and non-flowing water gardens
and many other items which hold water for a few days.
- Treat water in ponds and water gardens. Add larva-eating minnows
(such as shiners or tuffies) from a bait shop. Safe products are
available which will not harm pets, ornamental fish or plants. Lavicide briquettes are the safest and most effective way to control
mosquito breeding in standing water. In 2005, the Health Department
distributed over 4,000 larvicide briquettes to
individuals and to standing water sites around the county.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
-
When outdoors, apply
insect repellent containing DEET. Choose a product that has less than 33
percent DEET
-
Wear long-sleeved
shirts and long pants
-
Avoid being outdoors
at dusk and dawn, which are the periods when mosquitoes are most active
-
When outdoors, place
netting over infant carriers
-
Remove any containers
or old tires that might hold water
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have found a dead
bird, what should I do?
KDHE has stopped
collecting and testing dead birds for WNV since last. If you have found a
dead bird, wear gloves, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the
garbage.
I have a pond/pool of
water in my neighborhood or there is standing water in my area and I need to
do something about it, what I should do?
There are some products
available through the Health Department that can be used to treat
ponds/pools/standing water etc. These products will not be distributed to
any one without proper screening and site inspection/assessment by Health
Department staff. Please contact Health Department by calling 660-5555 for
assistance. Products are also available at local hardware/gardening stores
under the name of “mosquito dunks.”
Do you have anything
available that I can get to control mosquitoes around my backyard?
Many mosquito control
products are available that you can buy from local hardware/gardening store.
These products can be used safely around your backyard and are very
effective in controlling mosquito population. If you need more information
about these products or need help in selecting a product, please call
660-5555 or ask at your hardware/gardening store.
Is the WNV test
available at the Health Department?
If you think that you have
WNV symptoms, please contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Your physician will assess your risk for WNV and may order some blood tests
for WNV. These test are not available at the Health Department.
How can I get more information?
Call the Sedgwick County Health Department at 660-7348 to speak with an
epidemiologist.
Click here
for our West Nile Virus fact sheet.
For the latest information on prevention and control activities in
Kansas, visit the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program website at
www.oznet.ksu.edu/westnilevirus.
Other Resources:
©, Copyright, 2005 Sedgwick County Health Department
last update:
04/30/08
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