West Nile Virus Alert - Fight the Bite!
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become
infected when they feed on infected birds. Individuals can reduce their risk of
mosquito-borne WNV by reducing their exposure to mosquito bite. Common sense precautions
include:
- Avoid time outside during the dusk and dawn hours
- When outdoors wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts
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Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions
- Make sure all doors and windows have tight-fitting screens
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Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito
breeding
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Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant
mosquito problem where you live or work
Most individuals who are infected by WNV will not experience any illness. Others will
have mild to moderate symptoms similar to the flu. WNV can cause severe illness in some,
causing brain swelling and death. Those at greatest risk for severe disease are the
immune suppressed and the elderly.
You can be part of Sutter County's surveillance program by reporting any crows, ravens,
magpies, jays, sparrows, finches and raptors that may have been dead less than 48 hours to
a special statewide toll-free hotline: 877-WNV-BIRD. This number also has recorded
information on WNV in California and WNV symptoms in humans. It also provides callers the
name and number of their local mosquito control agency.
Information can be obtained online at California West Nile Virus Surveillance Information Center.
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