West Nile Encephalitis Information

West Nile Encephalitis Information

The West Nile virus is in Delaware County. Confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported in nearby communities. The infection can cause serious illness especially in the very young, older people, as well as those with compromised immune systems. This disease is most prevalent in late summer and early fall. Mosquitoes get West Nile from biting infected birds, primarily crows, blue jays, hawks and owls. They transmit the virus to people, animals and other birds when biting to take blood. It is not spread by person-to-person contact.

You can reduce the risk of West Nile virus in your neighborhood. Mosquitoes need water to breed. The basic way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or business is simple, eliminate their breeding spots.

1. What is West Nile encephalitis?
   "Encephalitis" means an inflammation of the brain and can be caused by viruses and bacteria, including viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by West Nile virus, a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the U.S.

2. How long has the West Nile virus been in the U.S.?
   It is not known how long it has been in the U.S., but scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe the virus has probably been in the eastern US since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer.

3. What are the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis?
   Most infections are mild and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and rarely, death.

4. What should a person do if he/she thinks they have West Nile encephalitis?
   Seek medical care as soon as possible.

What you can do

Clean your yard now -- get rid of anything that collects water:

• Old tires
• Tin cans
• Buckets
• Flowerpots
• Drums, etc.

Patrol the area after every rain.

Keep puddles from forming:

• Fill in any ruts or low places around your property.
• Repair any leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Make sure your drains and gutters are clear and working

Stop stagnant water:

• Change the water in kiddie pools and birdbaths every week (empty and store them if you're away).
• Cover your trash containers, recycling bins, etc.
• Empty drip trays under outside planters
• Fill in tree rot holes that hold water and hollow stumps with sand and concrete.

And don't forget to. . .

• Keep grass cut short and bushes trimmed near your house so mosquitoes can't hide.
• Fix your screens before mosquito season starts.
• Call your local authorities if you see standing water that you can not clean up yourself.

If you have any questions regarding conditions in your neighborhood, please call the Health Officer at 610-566-5210 ext. 248.

For more information, please contact :
Delaware County Intercommunity Health Coordination: 610-891-5311
PA Department of Health: 877-PA-HEALTH