Communicable Disease:
|
West
Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected for the first time in 2008 in 1 bird, a
house finch,
from
Ø The positive bird was found
in
Ø The discovery of a positive
bird arrives 3 weeks later than in the previous season. There has been WNV
activity in many counties in the state.
Ø As of today, there have been
no human cases in
Ø Mosquito and Vector Control
technicians have been sent to the site to target mosquito-breeding sources in
the area.
Ø Public Health is coordinating
activities with the California State Department of Public Health and the
Mosquito Abatement Program throughout the county.
Ø Health care providers in the
county have knowledge of specific information on signs and symptoms of West
Nile Virus and have been performing testing as appropriate.
Ø There is no evidence of
horses, tree squirrels or birds transmitting WNV directly to humans.
Ø WNV is transmitted to humans
and animals by mosquitoes and is not transmitted by casual person-to-person contact. Rarely, it has been transmitted via blood
transfusions or organ transplants.
Ø New blood bank procedures
now screen for WNV.
Ø Horses can become ill from
WNV but cats and dogs seem to be resistant to WNV.
Ø There is a vaccine available
for horses that has proven over time to be safe and
effective. There is no vaccine as yet
for humans.
Ø You may report a dead bird or
dead tree squirrel by calling 1-877-968-BIRD (2473) or by visiting http://www.westnile.ca.gov.
Ø The best way to protect yourself from WNV is to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.
Ø Drain
all standing water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from
breeding. Be sure to check rain gutters,
plants, buckets, pool and spa covers, birdbaths and any other items in your
yard that may contain standing water.
Ø Dress in
long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
Ø Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most
active.
Ø Use mosquito repellent that
contains DEET or picaridin on
exposed skin when you go outside. You
may also spray clothing with repellents that contain DEET or permethrin. Do not
spray repellent on skin under clothing.
Do not use permethrin directly on skin. Repellents are safe and effective when used
according to the directions on the package.
Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTION FOR USE,
especially when using on children.
Ø Make sure window screens are
in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
For
more information on West Nile Virus:
http://www.santacruzhealth.org/fightthebite/index.htm
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of
importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important
information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate
action.
Health Update: provides updated information
regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.