Lane County News: Take Preventive Steps to Reduce West Nile Virus Risk

Lane County Public Health and Lane County Environmental Health want to remind people to take precautions to reduce the risk of West Nile virus (WNV).

Public Health officials said it is important to evaluate risk properly and to recognize that we can all take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites and remove mosquito-breeding sources from our property.

Four human cases of WNV has been reported in Oregon and positive test in birds and mosquitoes have been reported in six counties. To date no positive test results of WNV have been reported in Lane County during the six week survey of mosquitoes. Even though testing is limited, since WNV was in Lane County last year, we can assume it will be here again, according to Public Health and Environmental Health officials.

"Late summer and early fall are prime seasons for mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses," said Jeff Birdsall, Lane County Environmental Health. "This is the time to take personal preventive steps."

Look around your home and property and eliminate sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, for example gutters, birdbaths and old tires.

Because mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, avoid playing or working outside at these times or wear repellent and/or clothing that covers your skin.

When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.

Wear an effective insect repellant. So far, DEET has been found to work the best. Follow label directions when using any repellant. But, do not apply DEET to children younger than two.

Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Don’t leave doors open without a screen.

West Nile virus infections can range from mild to more serious, with fever, headache and body aches, possibly with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections may cause West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures and, rarely, death. Persons 50 years or older appear to have the highest risk of severe illness.

Amber Fossen
Public Information Officer
Lane County Government
125 E. Eighth Ave.
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 682.3718
(541) 359.9143 (cell)

^{Lane County Government provides for the safety and security of Lane County’s 343,000 citizens through public safety, public works, human services, elections, vital records and other systems}

Lane County, Oregon	eGovernment

News Release



News \| 2008