Sandhills District Health Department and Clinic
West Nile Prevention
**NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HAS CONFIRMED WEST NILE VIRUS IN BIRDS IN TWO NEBRASKA COUNTIES (MADISON AND PHELPS) AND MOSQUITOES IN TWO NEBRASKA COUNTIES (ADAMS AND SHERIDAN) SO FAR THIS YEAR. THE BEST THING TO DO IS AVOID MOSQUITO BITES!!**
West Nile is a risk you CAN do something about!!
West Nile Virus is now in most of the United States
*Avoid mosquito bites to avoid the risk
Adults are at the highest risk
*People over 50 and people who have received a solid organ transplant are at the highest risk
What happens if I am infected?
*Very small number of people (1 in 150) get infected with West Nile develop West Nile encephalitis or West Nile Meningitis. Symptoms: headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis. SEE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if you develop these symptoms.
*Some people who are infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, skin rash. CALL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if there's questions about these symptoms.
*Most people develop no symptoms wtih West Nile.
Three Steps to Reduce Your Risk:
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites!
*Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothes when you're outdoors. Use one containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. Mosquito Proof your Home!
*Screens: Keeps mosquitoes outside by fixing or installing window and door screens.
*Drain water: Don't give mosquitoes a breeding home. Small amounts of standing water is enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs.
*Keep up with standing water/look for new standing water and fix it.
3. Help your community!!!
*Dead birds help health departments track West Nile. Check with SDHDC or your local health department to find the policy for reporting dead birds.
For more information, check the CDC website www.cdc.gov/westnile or call their number 1-800-CDC-INFO in English, en Espanol.
West Nile is a risk you CAN do something about!!
West Nile Virus is now in most of the United States
*Avoid mosquito bites to avoid the risk
Adults are at the highest risk
*People over 50 and people who have received a solid organ transplant are at the highest risk
What happens if I am infected?
*Very small number of people (1 in 150) get infected with West Nile develop West Nile encephalitis or West Nile Meningitis. Symptoms: headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis. SEE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if you develop these symptoms.
*Some people who are infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, skin rash. CALL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if there's questions about these symptoms.
*Most people develop no symptoms wtih West Nile.
Three Steps to Reduce Your Risk:
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites!
*Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothes when you're outdoors. Use one containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. Mosquito Proof your Home!
*Screens: Keeps mosquitoes outside by fixing or installing window and door screens.
*Drain water: Don't give mosquitoes a breeding home. Small amounts of standing water is enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs.
*Keep up with standing water/look for new standing water and fix it.
3. Help your community!!!
*Dead birds help health departments track West Nile. Check with SDHDC or your local health department to find the policy for reporting dead birds.
For more information, check the CDC website www.cdc.gov/westnile or call their number 1-800-CDC-INFO in English, en Espanol.
