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West Nile Virus

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Health - Nurse's Corner

West Nile Virus Fact Sheet

 

HEALTH ALERT
West Nile Virus (WNV) RRISD School Fact Sheet
August 2002

 

Where Has It Been And Where Is It Going?

West Nile virus (WNV) is commonly found in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East. It was first detected in the United States in 1999, at which time there was an outbreak in New York. By mid-June of 2002, it had traveled westward to Texas. Since then, it has been reported in mosquitoes, birds (such as blue jays and crows), horses, and humans in Texas. There has also been a continued westward movement of the virus.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of West Nile Virus?

Most people infected with WNV do not become ill. Those who become ill may exhibit symptoms of fever, weakness, headache, or altered mental status. Symptoms that would be serious enough to seek medical help would include: skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, reddened eyes, abdominal pain, cough, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea. Those people with a weakened immune system may develop meningitis or encephalitis, which can result in a very serious, life threatening illness.

 

Can It Be Treated?

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. People with symptoms, which require treatment may have to be hospitalized, and given supportive treatment along with good nursing care.

 

How Is It Spread?

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no recorded proof of it being passed from person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person.

 

School Protocols Pertaining To WNV

Very few mosquitoes are actually carriers of the virus. Additionally, only a very small percent of people bitten by infected mosquitoes will show symptoms of any disease. As a precaution, parents may want to apply insect repellent on their children before they go to school. One application of a product containing DEET can last 6 to 12 hours. For the safety of all students, do not send insect repellent sprays or lotions to school.

 

How Can Chances Of Getting Infected Be Reduced?

A few general prevention tips for WNV and other types of mosquito-borne encephalitis include:

 

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
  • Apply insect repellents, such as products containing DEET, sparingly to exposed skin. Repellents may bother the eyes and mouth, so, do not apply them to the hands of children. Do not allow young children to apply repellents. Do not apply products containing DEET on children less than two years of age. Contact your family physician about the possibilities of any adverse reactions to such products.
  • Spray clothing with insect repellents, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
  • Whenever you use an insect repellent, read and follow the directions for use that are printed on the product label. The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that, as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern since exposure to DEET is expected to be brief.
  • It does not appear that a person can get WNV from handling live or dead infected birds. However, advise all children not to touch wild birds. Parents should use gloves or double plastic bags when handling any dead animals, including birds.
  • Make sure any windows left open have screens on them and the screens are in good repair.
  • To minimize mosquito-breeding sites, remove any containers that allow water to collect or change the water in them daily. Cover trashcans and remove trash.

 

References: Additional information on WNV can be found at the Texas Department of Health Zoonosis Control Division’s website at: www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/diseases/Arboviral/westnile/westnile.asp

Information on mosquito repellents is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/citizens/deet.htm
http://www.acponline.org/jounals/annals/01jun98/mosquito.htm
http://www.deet.com/

For more information contact: Round Rock ISD Health Services at: 464-5127