School is almost out and summer activities are here. The following information on West Nile is on the City of Kennedale website at?http://www.cityofkennedale.com/index.aspx?NID=500To Stay Safe, Remember to Follow the Four Ds:?
- DUSK/DAWN are the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, so you should try to stay indoors. {{more}}
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you?re outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
- DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Always wear repellent when outdoors and choose products that contain up to 20 percent DEET (10 percent DEET for children).
- DRAIN standing water in your backyard and neighborhood
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is a seasonal epidemic of the summer months, just like influenza is to winter. West Nile virus can be transmitted year-round whenever mosquitoes are biting, which is why it is best to protect yourself all year.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
▪ Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop the most severe form of the infection. The symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. It can result in death.
▪ Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent ( or four out of 20) people who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have been sick for several weeks.
▪ No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
▪ Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
For information on West Nile Virus in the area, including spraying, treatment, and procedures,?Tarrant County Public Health.?
