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West Nile Virus
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile virus is an established disease in North America that has the potential to flare up in the summer and continue into the fall. West Nile virus is most often spread by mosquitoes that bite-infected birds then carry the virus to people. Large birds like hawks, blue jays, and crows often signal the arrival of the disease because once infected they die rapidly. Residents are encouraged to contact either City of Branson Health Department or one of theTaney County Health Department locations upon noticing one of these type of birds dead for no apparent reason.
A common disease in other parts of the world for many years, West Nile virus was first found in the U.S. on the East Coast in the summer of 1999, and the first human cases in Missouri occurred in 2002. In 2003 Missouri had 64 WNV cases and eight WNV related deaths.
Although in most cases West Nile symptoms are similar to the flu, the virus has been known to cause severe disease and even death. That's why Missouri public health officials are urging communities to get involved in preventing WNV disease by cleaning up areas that could serve as mosquito-breeding habitat. Here's what you can do:
- Search your own property and dispose of bottles,cans, bowls, flowerpots, plastic containers or anything else that can harbor mosquito larvae.
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup day to focus on untended areas, curbs and gutters, and other overlooked mosquito-breeding grounds.
- Be on the lookout for old tires, which are a special problem.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins that remain outdoors.
- Keep roof gutters clean and flowing properly.
- Keep children's wading pools upside down when not in use, or change the water twice a week.
- If you have a water garden or an ornamental pool, aerate it or stock it with mosquito-eating fish.
- Avoid mosquito-infested areas, and when you cannot, be sure to wear insect repellant with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) as protection against mosquito bites.
Check with your local health department to learn about activities in your area aimed at eliminating mosquito-borne disease. You may call the City of Branson Health Department or either of the Taney County Health Department locations for more information.
"People don't need to worry about limiting their outdoor activities,"said Jim Berry. "But they should cover exposed skin during the hours before sunset and at nighttime. Insect repellent with DEET is the most effective for exposed skin if you don't want to be covered."
Be on the lookout for symptoms of West Nile virus: fever, body aches, headaches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections may cause stiffness of the neck, high fever, stupor, disorientation, tremors, or even coma, paralysis and death. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, contact a doctor.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact City of Branson Health Department at 417-337-8551, Taney County Health Department in Forsyth at 417-546-4725, in Branson at 417-334-4544, or visit one of these websites:
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