WEST NILE VIRUS HOTLINE: 972.941.7180
Please Click Here: www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm
West Nile Virus Spray Map Update
Facts About West Nile Virus
Plano Health Department has resumed monitoring mosquito activity in April. If you have any questions, please call 972.941.7143. Thank you.
Plano's mosquito season is normally from April to October.
Interested to learn more about Mosquitoes? Click here: http://www.mosquitozone.com
For Complete Statistical West Nile Virus Report, please click below:
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/diseases/Arboviral/westNile/statistics/stats.asp
STOP MOSQUITOES !
Mosquito season is upon us. Citizens are encouraged to do abatement procedures. Mosquito abatement begins with the removal of standing water and maintaining swimming pools.
Some mosquitoes will over-winter as an adult. These adults are feeding on plants for energy. Soon, the females will be looking for a blood meal in order to lay eggs. Some mosquitoes over-winter as eggs. These eggs will begin hatching and the same process will begin. By eliminating water sources, the second and third wave of mosquitoes can be greatly reduced.
The Health Department has begun sampling areas of standing water for mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes are easier controlled when they are in the larvae stage, thus the Health Department will be treating areas found with larvae. If citizens are aware of any potential mosquito-breeding areas, please call 972.941.7143.
EFFECTIVE PREVENTION TIPS
In order to control mosquito breeding sites, all citizens must be willing to be part of the process. We encourage all citizens to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Get rid of all standing water.
2. Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any container that will hold standing water (bottles, tires, cans, flower pots, buckets, e.t.c.).
3. Change water in pet dishes, wading pools, and bird baths several times a week.
4. Cover trash cans so they will not collect water.
5. Repair leaking plumbing, hoses and outside faucets.
6. Keep doors, porches and window screens in good condition to help keep mosquitoes out of the house.
7. Avoid mosquito bites while outside by wearing long sleeves and pants.
8. Repellants with "DEET" are recommended, but directions must be followed carefully.
The Plano Environmental Health Department encourages residents and businesses to join in a pro-active stance to decrease mosquito breeding areas concentrated around standing and stagnant water.
WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN BEAT THE BITE!
West Nile Virus
Reports of the West Nile Virus, a form of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes, has created public concern since its detection in two dead birds found in Dallas in early July 2002.
The national Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises the chances of persons contracting the Virus are slim, even for persons who have been bitten by an infected mosquito. The CDC states, “ Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes – much less than 1 % in 10,000 are infected. If the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of the people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. with West Nile Virus as a result of a mosquito bite is less than 1 in 10,000.The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.”
Understanding the Virus, and how each of us can partner together to decrease mosquito breeding grounds around our residences and businesses, plays an important role in reducing the potential for the spread of the Virus into other areas.
Following are the most often asked questions received by the City of Plano Environmental Health Department regarding West Nile Virus.
What is the West Nile Virus (WNV)?
The West Nile Virus was first isolated and identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937. The West Nile Virus is a form of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which has been commonly found in humans, birds and other vertebrates in the Middle East, West Asia and Africa, but not documented in the United States until the summer of 1999, in Queens, New York. The Virus is spread through infected mosquitoes that serve as the “vector,” or transmitter, of the disease. Less than 1% of those infected with WNV will develop severe illness.
How did WNV reach Texas?
Migratory birds have long been suspected as the principal introductory hosts of the WNV into new regions. Ornithophilic mosquitoes are the principal vectors (transmitters) of the West Nile Virus in the “Old World,” with migratory birds of several species being their principal introductory host. A small percentage of the populations of a few bird species migrate regularly in August and September from breeding grounds in the Old World to wintering grounds along the eastern seaboard of North America. It is these birds, which have contracted WNV from mosquitoes that have carried the disease to the United States on their winter migrations. It is noted the WNV is normally initially detected along shorelines and in wetlands areas, usually in late summer or early fall, coinciding with the arrival of both large numbers of migratory birds and mosquitoes. In Texas, the WNV was first identified in dead birds this year on June 19 in Houston, which is located, of course, in a coastal region.
How does WNV spread?
Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when feeding on infected birds. They then carry the potential to transmit WNV when feeding on humans and animals. The Virus locates in the mosquito’s salivary glands. (It is the saliva of the mosquito that causes the allergic reaction to your skin that results in the common red bump and itching you get after being bitten.) If the WNV is transmitted into the bloodstream, it can then multiply, creating the potential for various degrees of illness. There is no documentation the WNV is transmitted from person-to-person or from animal-to-person.
What should I do if I find a dead bird in my yard?
Birds are sensitive to WNV, with American Crows and blue jays being the most sensitive to the disease. This is why flags are raised when an increase in bird deaths are reported in an area. Remember, however, that birds routinely die of causes other than the WNV, with injury and death from predators, being a prime culprit. You should avoid barehanded contact when handling any dead animal. Use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a double plastic bag in your garbage can. If you identify a dead bird as a “blackbird”or “blue jay,” or if your neighborhood has had a noticeable increase in dead birds of any variety, contact the Environmental Health Department at 972-941-7143.
Can animals be infected with WNV?
Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases and parasites, which affect animals. Heartworm in dogs and equine encephalitis in horses are frequent examples. Horses are especially prone to various stains of encephalitis and should be monitored as there is no cross-protection offered against WNV through equine encephalitis vaccinations. WNV has been identified in horses, cats, chipmunks, bats, squirrels and domestic rabbits, but the vast majority of infections have been identified in birds. Normal veterinarian care should be taken with any sick or injured pet. There is no evidence to support WNV can be transmitted from animal-to animal or animal-to-person, and a family pet which may be infected will undoubtedly enjoy a full recovery through standard veterinary care.
What are the Symptoms of WNV?
After an incubation period of 3 to 15 days, symptoms often replicate the flu, beginning with headache, fever and body aches. Most infections are mild. Occasionally, skin rash and swollen lymph glands may accompany these symptoms. Severe infection is marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, paralysis, and rarely, death. Persons over 50 years of age carry the highest risk for severe disease. A blood sample by a physician will confirm the disease, which is then treated through a variety of therapies matching the degree of illness. A physician should be consulted for any health concerns.
What is the City doing to prevent the spread of WNV?
Plano has an on-going mosquito vector control program (spraying) throughout the summer to attack the adult mosquito population, supplementing spring larvae eradication efforts. The City is currently spraying for mosquitoes 2-3 times per week, from 1am – 5 am, depending on weather conditions (no rain, wind under 10mph). An EPA-approved pesticide is utilized which kills only mosquitoes and biting flies who come into contact with the spray cloud. Included in the spray program are alleyways and parks (including playground areas, athletic fields, etc.). The spray leaves no residual product behind, being safe for persons and animals to come into contact with sprayed areas. The city is divided into geographic grids for spraying, to ensure complete coverage of our community. Additionally, Plano regularly participates with the Texas Department of Health (TDH) in testing of mosquitoes throughout the year for signs of disease and parasites. Currently, at least twice per week mosquitoes are trapped and sent to the TDH Entomology Lab in Austin for testing. Female mosquitoes (who do the biting) are tested for WNV. Of the over 200 species of mosquito found in the United States, approximately 82 varieties are found in Texas, with only about a dozen of these capable of transmitting disease.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of WNV?
The best protection against WNV or any other mosquito-borne disease or parasite is eliminating the source. A single female mosquito can deposit up to 300 eggs every three days, and it is estimated a single stagnant swimming pool can infect a six-block area. There are many simple things you may do around your home or business to partner with the City of Plano’s effort is reducing the mosquito population and the potential for disease. Mosquitoes prefer standing water sources to lay their eggs. Permanent lakes, ponds and streams carry the beneficial presence of predators to keep these waterways relatively free of mosquito larvae. Clogged ditches, temporary pools of water and any other place water can collect around your home are sources for mosquito larvae. Keep swimming pools treated and circulated and rain gutters unclogged. Water in bird baths, fountains, animal bowls and wading pools should be changed weekly. Containers, such as cans, buckets, empty pots, plant saucers, toys or anything that can contain and hold water outdoors should be removed or emptied. Persons with ornamental ponds should consider stocking them with fish to control larva. The use of outdoor “yellow” bug lights, proper maintenance of outdoor faucets and window screens can reduce the opportunity for mosquito bites. The use of mosquito repellants when outdoors, carefully following precautions and directions, will also reduce the opportunity for bites.
What types of birds carry the West Nile Virus?
Crows, Blue Jays belong to the family of birds that is particularly vulnerable to the West Nile Virus.
What is the difference between West Nile Virus encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis?
The symptoms- West Nile Virus will exhibit a rash on the torso and swollen glands. These symptoms are generally not present in St. Louis encephalitis.
What should you do immediately after a mosquito bite?
Avoid scratching. Use alcohol or ice to reduce the itching. Keep it clean to avoid infection.
What is the treatment for West Nile virus?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, e.t.c.), and good nursing care.
What are the "Four D's of West Nile Virus Prevention?"
1) Dusk/Dawn-the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
2) Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside to keep skin covered.
3) DEET- is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent to apply when staying outdoors.
4) Drain- standing water in your yard and neighborhood-old tires, flower pots, rain gutters. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
Are "natural" mosquito repellents such as bug zappers, citronella candles, and tiki torches as effective as products containing DEET?
Citronella candles are mildly effective for keeping mosquitoes away from an area. Bug zappers and electronic devices are not.
Does DEET have harmful health effects?
Adverse reaction to DEET are rare when the product is applied properly. Most reported adverse reaction occurred when people incorrectly used repellent.
How much DEET should bug sprays contain to be effective and safe for adults and children?
Adults should use a product with 20-30% DEET and 10% DEET for children.
What other pre-cautions should people take around the house?
Make sure there are no holes in door screens or window screens.
Eliminating stagnate or stagnant water sources is the key factor in stopping the spread of West Nile Virus. Where are some places that water can collect that we might not normally think of?
Old tires, children's toys, flower pots, leaky faucets, clogged rain gutters, wading pools, pet water dishes, flat roofs, trash can lids, wheel barrows, boats and canoes, tarps and covers. Just look around your yard for places that water collects.
Are there any special precautions that pool owners should take?
Wading pools should be emptied at least every 5 days. In-ground pools need to be properly maintained and chemically treated.
Information on Mosquito Repellent: CLICK HERE
West Nile Virus in Texas Information (In English and Spanish)
Additional information links:
Texas Department of Health
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention