|
Human Cases of West Nile Virus Reported
Public Health Advisory
| October 17, 2006 |
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| The following advisory
is being issued to assist the cities of Friendswood, League City and Texas City
in their efforts to educate citizens regarding methods of prevention for West
Nile virus. |
La Marque –Officials with the Galveston County Health District have confirmed three
cases of human West Nile virus infection in the county. Most recently a 37 year
old female resident of Friendswood was diagnosed. There has also been one case
reported in League City and one in Texas City.
“While the risk of a healthy person becoming sick with West Nile virus from a
mosquito bite is very low, people should always take steps to protect themselves,”
says Dr. Dana Beckham the District’s Chief Epidemiologist. She reminds people to always
observe the Four D’s to reduce the chance of becoming infected:
- Dusk to Dawn – Take extra care to use
repellent and protective clothing during evening and early
morning -- or consider avoiding outdoor activities during
these times.
- Dress
– dress in long pants and long sleeves when you are outside,
especially in mosquito-infested areas.
- DEET
– apply insect repellant that contains DEET. Read and
follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and
clothing with repellant. Repellants containing Picaridin are
also an effective repellant.
- Drain
– get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood.
Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and
faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites
for mosquitoes
The virus is not
contagious from person to person, only from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Common symptoms of human infection include fever, headache, sore throat, body
aches and fatigue, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Individuals with any of these symptoms are advised to consult with their
healthcare provider.
By following the Four D’s
and the precautions they contain people can protect themselves and others. For
more information on West Nile virus citizens can call (409) 938-2322, or access
the following web link:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
For More Information Contact:
Brian Rutherford
Public Health Planner
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2275
brutherford@gchd.org |
