“West Nile virus activity is increasing rapidly in the Central Valley,” Walker noted. “There are things that we can be doing to help ourselves, our families and our community. We must make every effort to stop mosquitoes from breeding and take precautions with our families.”

West Nile virus is not spread from person-to-person. WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. People typically develop symptoms from 2 – 15 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Serious symptoms in a few people: Less than one in 150 people (less than one percent) who get WNV will become severely sick. Severe 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.

Milder symptoms in some people: Up to 20% (about one in five) of people who become infected will display symptoms which include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms generally last for just a few days, although some people have been sick for several weeks and some have stated that it took several months to feel better.

No symptoms in most people: Approximately 80% of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not have any symptoms of the disease.

Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

• Eliminate sources of standing water. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed within four days. Change the water in pet dishes and regularly replace water in birdbaths. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain.
• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset.
• When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight fitting screens on doors and windows.
• Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when outdoors, according to label instructions.
• In addition to DEET-based products, the CDC has recently recommended insect repellants containing oil of lemon eucalyptus and Picaridin.

Stanislaus County has a West Nile virus hotline in English and Spanish. The number has recorded information on the disease. The public can call (209) 558-8425. You can find WNV information on the Health Services Agency website at www.hsahealth.org.

Report mosquito infestations to the East Side Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 522-4098 or the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 634-1234. The State of California is still requesting that residents of Stanislaus County report dead birds to the state hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD. Birds of particular interest to the state are crows, ravens, magpies, jays and raptors (hawk or eagle).
The public may also submit the information via the web site www.westnile.ca.gov

TIPS FOR HANDLING DEAD BIRDS

• Avoid touching the dead bird with your bare hands.
• Use gloves or multiple heavy-duty plastic bags to pick up the dead bird.
• Grasp the dead bird with your hand inside the plastic bags. Turn the plastic bags inside-out over the dead bird so the dead bird is now inside the plastic bags and your hands are on the outside of the plastic bags. Be sure that the beak or claws do not puncture the bags.
• Tightly seal the two bags.
• Dispose of the "double-bagged" bird carcass by placing it in a trash container. Ensure that the trash container is secure from children and animals while awaiting pickup from your refuse company.
• WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly with warm water and soap after disposal. If you wore gloves to dispose of the dead bird, wash your gloved hands and then wash your bare hands thoroughly after you have removed the gloves.

It is a good health practice never to handle any dead animals with your bare hands. There is currently no evidence that the West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans that have taken precautions when handling dead birds.