West Nile Virus
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.
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.
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?
Products are 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 stores. These products can be used safely around your backyard and are very effective in controlling mosquito population.
Are mosquito control products safe?
Mosquito dunks are 100% organic and have been reported by the U.S. EPA to be perfectly safe for use around pets and other wildlife, including aquatic wildlife.
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 660-7300 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:
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