West Nile Virus- WNV
Klamath Vector Control West Nile virus Activity as of 7/26/2023 Mosquito Pools Tested: 116
Positive Mosquitoes: 0
Positive Birds: 0
Human Cases: 0
West Nile Virus is a flavivirus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, such as ravens and crows after an incubation period of 5 to 15 days the mosquito can then transmit the virus to humans and animals by biting them. Following this transmission, the virus multiplies in the blood. It affects the brain causing inflammation of the brain tissue. This inflammation interferes with the brain and spinal cord functions.
Questions and Answers
Q. How long has West Nile Virus been in the U.S.?
A. It is unknown exactly how long it has been in the U.S. but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999.
Q. How do people get WNV?
A. People become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile Virus.
Q. What is the basic transmission cycle?
A. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The virus is located in the mosquitoes salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into the animal or human where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.
Q. Can you get WNV directly from birds?
A. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus form handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.
Q. What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile Virus?
A. Prevention and control of WNV and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. These programs should include surveillance for West Nile Virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, horses, other animals, and humans, and implementation of appropriate measures to reduce mosquito populations.
A Mosquito Pool tested Positive for West Nile Virus within our district in 2013, people are urged to take appropriate precautions to help protect themselves. We are taking appropriate control measures in the area.
1. Protect Yourself ( use insect repellent to exposed skin when outdoors)
2. Clean out mosquito breeding sites ( don't give mosquitoes a place to breed. A small amount of standing water can be enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs.)
3. Help your community (report dead birds: Crows, Ravens, Jays, Magpies)
WNV SYMPTOMS
* Severe Headache
* High fever
* Stiff Neck
* Mental Confusion
* Muscle Weakness
* Tremors
* Coma
* Paralysis
A. It is unknown exactly how long it has been in the U.S. but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999.
Q. How do people get WNV?
A. People become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile Virus.
Q. What is the basic transmission cycle?
A. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The virus is located in the mosquitoes salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into the animal or human where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.
Q. Can you get WNV directly from birds?
A. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus form handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.
Q. What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile Virus?
A. Prevention and control of WNV and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. These programs should include surveillance for West Nile Virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, horses, other animals, and humans, and implementation of appropriate measures to reduce mosquito populations.
A Mosquito Pool tested Positive for West Nile Virus within our district in 2013, people are urged to take appropriate precautions to help protect themselves. We are taking appropriate control measures in the area.
1. Protect Yourself ( use insect repellent to exposed skin when outdoors)
2. Clean out mosquito breeding sites ( don't give mosquitoes a place to breed. A small amount of standing water can be enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs.)
3. Help your community (report dead birds: Crows, Ravens, Jays, Magpies)
WNV SYMPTOMS
* Severe Headache
* High fever
* Stiff Neck
* Mental Confusion
* Muscle Weakness
* Tremors
* Coma
* Paralysis