City Council Commentary 6.24.06
District 9 Annual Report |
News
West Nile Virus
By Barbara Pittman, Vice Chair of the City Environmental Health Commission
It's almost that time of year when those pesky mosquitos descend upon us. With them, arise the
fear and concern of the dreaded West Nile Virus.
Many know the name of the disease, but I suspect few probably know actually what it is; what to
do if you think you have an infected area; or how to prevent it in the first place. So here are
some basics to ease your mind and help our neighborhoods stay safe and sound.
Let's start with the good news: Less than 1% of all mosquitos (the Culex spp. Mosquito is the
vector of WNV) actually carry the virus and mosquito season has a beginning and an end: May
through October, with August having the highest incidence of mosquitos.
So, what is West Nile Virus and how do you get it?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines it as a seasonal epidemic, potentially serious
illness, which is spread by an infected mosquito that has become a carrier by feeding on affected
birds. The infected mosquito then spreads WNV to humans whom they bite.
What are the symptoms?
Most human infections (80%) cause either no symptoms or (20%) have a mild flu-like illness (i.e.
fever, headache, nausea, vomiting). Only 1 in 150 experience serious symptoms (i.e. high fever,
headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions) and require immediate medical intervention.
Who is at higher risk of getting sick from WNV?
People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV, if they do get sick,
and should take special precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Studies have shown that a majority of
people who contracted the more serious form of WNV did not use insect repellent.
What should I do if I think I have WNV?
Mild WNV improves on its own and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this
infection. However, if you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness such as an unusually severe
headache or confusion you should seek medical attention immediately. The public can call the DHHS
hotline at 214-818-6001 for more information on the virus.
How can you protect yourself/house/yard from mosquitos?
• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn or dusk when mosquitos are most active.
• When outside, wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
• Use repellants containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus (picariden) when outside. Apply repellants only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellants under clothing. Never use repellants over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Keep doors, porches and window screens in good condition and frames tightly sealed.
• Repair any leaking plumbing and outside faucets as well as condensed water from air conditioner drains.
• Cover or turn upside down any receptacle that will hold standing water (ex. Bottles, cans, tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, flower pots, children toy's). Mosquitos can breed in as little as one-half inch of standing water.
• Change water in pet dishes, wading pools, and bird baths daily.
• Stock Gambusia (minnows that eat mosquito larvae) in standing water that cannot be emptied.
• Cover trash containers so they will not collect water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools or drain and cover if not in use.
• Unclog gutters and downspouts.
When and what should you report and to whom?
Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) asks the community to report any
dead bird activity (blue jays primarily) in their neighborhood as this may be an indicator of WNV
activity and is useful in determining where they place mosquito traps to collect, identify, and
test mosquitos for WNV. The DCHHS hotline is 214-819-6001.
If you know of a mosquito breeding site that you cannot correct or have a mosquito problem you
cannot solve, call the Environmental Assessment Program at 214-948-4429 (M-F 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
or call 3-1-1.
Does the city spray for WNV?
Yes. Although only used as a last resort, adulticiding (spraying to reduce adult mosquito population)
is a small part of DCHHS mosquito abatement program. It accounts for only 3% of the county's activity.
In conclusion, the most effective way to reduce any mosquito-borne disease like WNV is prevention.
While spraying may give us a sense of security (some may argue a false sense of security) the
reality is that only in preventing getting bitten will reduce the risks.
It will take all of us cooperating to help protect ourselves, our homes, and our property from
those pesky and potentially dangerous mosquitos.
Barbara Pittman is District 9 Councilman Gary Griffith's appointee to the Environmental Health
Commission and a Lakewood resident.
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