First Positive Human Case of West Nile Fever Confirmed 08.12.2011
NEBRASKA’S FIRST POSITIVE HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE FEVER CONFIRMED IN DAWSON COUNTY
Two Rivers Public Health Department is reporting the first positive case of West Nile Virus in Nebraska this year. A Dawson County male has been confirmed to have West Nile Fever by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. It is important to remember that the majority of human West Nile cases are usually reported in August and September. With the beginning of school and fall sports activities, it is important to continue to protect yourself and your family from exposure to West Nile Virus.
During outside activities, students, coaches and fans still need to protect themselves against mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, during practices and events, so let’s keep our athletes, musicians and spectators safe! Use an insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR 3535. Choose the type and concentration of repellent to be used by considering the amount of time that will be spent outdoors. You and your family can also wear socks, long pants and shirts with long sleeves while outdoors to protect yourselves from mosquito bites.
Some recommendations when using DEET are:
• A product that combines DEET and a sunscreen is NOT recommended.
• Store out of reach of children, and read all instructions on the label before applying.
• Use the appropriate concentration for the time you will be outdoors.
• Avoid spraying in enclosed areas; do not use DEET near food.
• Apply DEET sparingly on exposed skin; do not use under clothing.
• Do not use DEET over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors; wash treated clothing.
• Do not allow children to apply DEET themselves.
• Do not use DEET on the hands of young children; avoid applying to areas around the eyes and mouth.
• Do not apply directly on children. Apply to your own hands, and then put it on the child.
• If you think a child is having a reaction to a product containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately contact your health care provider or local poison control center. 1-800-222-1222
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites on your property by:
- Empty wading pools when not in use and store indoors
- Get rid of old tires, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, drums, and other containers that are outdoors and may hold water. Standing water and clogged gutters can also breed mosquitoes.
- Repair leaky pipes, outside faucets, and move air conditioner hoses frequently.
- Eliminate puddles created by lawn watering or rainfall
Symptoms of West Nile virus vary from person to person. They include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms typically last a few days. About one in 150 people will develop severe illness. These 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 you should seek medical attention, neurological effects may be permanent.
For more information or brochures on West Nile virus contact Two Rivers Public Health Department at 308-995-4778 or toll-free at 888-669-7154 or see our website:
www.tworiverspublichealth.com
