| West
Nile Virus Identified
In North Galveston County
THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE
IS BEING ISSUED TO ASSIST THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD IN THEIR
EFFORTS TO EDUCATE CITIZENS REGARDING METHODS OF PREVENTION
FOR WEST NILE VIRUS.
10/15/04
Mentioned in the Friendswood Reporter News
10/20/04
La Marque – Officials
with the Galveston County Health District confirm that West
Nile virus has been identified in mosquitoes and birds throughout
Galveston County since July 26, 2004. In north Galveston County
it has been identified in the League City and Friendswood
areas. The Health District has released recommendations for
prevention in prior news releases issued on July 26th and
29th which can be found on its website at www.gchd.org.
“Residents should not panic. Simply be
aware that the West Nile virus is in the county as it has
been the past several mosquito seasons,” states Kurt
Koopmann, Public Information Officer for the District. One
of the first lines of defense against getting the illness,
Koopmann says, is using repellant containing DEET. “DEET
is an effective repellant that lasts much longer than other
repellants.”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 activeDress – 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.
Dr. Mark Guidry, County Health Authority, says,
“Whether or not one has symptoms of West Nile virus
infection will vary depending on the severity of the illness.”
Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who
are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Up
to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display
symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea,
vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash
on the chest, stomach and back. One in 150 people infected
with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms
can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsion, muscle weakness,
vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Dr. Guidry further stated
“persons with symptoms of West Nile virus are advised
to seek immediate medial attention and evaluation.”
Koopmann states, “Our message has not
changed. Be aware of West Nile virus, but also know that the
risk remains very low. It is very unlikely that a person will
become sick from a mosquito bite, even in areas where mosquitoes
are more likely to be carrying the virus.
By following the
Four D’s and the precautions they contain people will
feel even safer.”For more Information on West Nile virus citizens
can call (409) 938-2345, or access the following web link:
www.texaswestnile.org.
For More Information
Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org |
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