County Health Officials Urge use of Insect Repellant
to Protect Against West Nile Virus
 

Mosquitoes possibly carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) will once again be circulating in the county, according to officials with the Galveston County Health District. One of the first lines of defense against getting the illness, health officials say, is using repellant containing DEET.

“DEET is an effective repellant that lasts much longer than other repellants,” said Chuck Chambers, Epidemiologist with the Health District. “It’s safe for children if used according to directions.” According to the Texas Department of Health, 77 percent of the people who got the more serious forms of West Nile infection in 2003 did not use repellant.

Last year mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found in Galveston County. There were also six county horses diagnosed with WNV infection. On a positive note, there was only one human case of WNV infection reported in Galveston County, and that patient recovered.

“Dead bird testing is still considered to be a good way to provide an early warning of the presence of West Nile Virus in an area,” states Chambers. “Galveston County should have a functioning dead bird surveillance system by May 1, 2004, and continue its operation until October 15, in accordance with current Texas Department of Health guidelines.”

As in previous years birds to be tested will be dead blue jays, hawks, and cardinals. The Galveston County Health District will accept dead birds for testing at the following locations:

• Joe Vickery Animal Shelter, 3412 Loop 197 N., Texas City, (409) 948-2485
• GCHD Environmental Building, 1205 Oak Street, La Marque, (409) 938-2300
• GCHD Vital Statistics Office, Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway, Suite C100, Galveston, (409) 765-2515
• Justice of the Peace Court #9, Noble Carl Rd., Crystal Beach, Fridays 10 a.m. – Noon

The birds may also be taken to the Galveston County Mosquito Control offices at 5115 Highway 3, in Dickinson. For mosquito related questions residents may call Mosquito Control at 800-842-5622.

Birds submitted for testing should be recently deceased (about 24 hours or less) and should be double bagged. Concerned residents should collect a bird by placing a plastic bag over it, then place that bag into another bag, and keep the dead bird cool with ice or refrigeration until it is submitted to one of the offices listed. Residents who find dead blue jays, cardinals or hawks and are unable to deliver them to one of the locations may call the Galveston County Health District Epidemiology Department at (409) 938-2399.

While not every mosquito carries the virus, avoiding mosquito bites is key to preventing West Nile illness. Health District officials urge people to remember the Four D’s to reduce the chance of becoming infected:

• Dusk to Dawn – stay indoors from dusk to dawn when those mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.
• 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.
• 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.

Healthy kids, teens, and adults under 50 years of age are at low risk of catching the virus. If they do get the infection, most of them will have mild or no symptoms. These symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph gland.

A small number of the people who are infected with West Nile virus, usually elderly people and those with immune system problems like HIV/AIDS or certain cancers, are at greater risk to develop a more severe form of the infection called encephalitis. Symptoms of more severe West Nile infections include headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, coma and paralysis. Anyone with these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.

Guidry states, “Our message has not changed. Be aware of West Nile virus, but also know that the risk remains very low. Even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to be carrying the virus, it’s very unlikely that a person will become sick from a mosquito bite. People can feel even safer by following recommended precautions contained in the Four D’s.”

For more information, the public is encouraged to click on the West Nile Virus information link on the Texas Department of Health web site at: http://www.texaswestnile.org.