"Severe symptoms [of West Nile Virus] can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, vision loss and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent. People over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing severe WNV disease." http://www.brhd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid=31
Prevent Bites
- Protect From Dusk Until Dawn. That is when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET* when doing any outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. (Follow the label instructions carefully.)
- For adults, use repellents containing up to 35% DEET. (Concentrations higher than 50% do not provide additional protection.)
- For children 2 months–12 years, use repellents containing up to 10% DEET. Do not put DEET on children’s hands or feet.
- For children under the age of 2 months, do not use DEET.
- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants for additional protection. Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies any time.
- Remove Standing Water. Drain standing water, since that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. This includes tires, cans, puddles, barrels, etc.
West Nile virus is rare, but if you have symptoms including high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, contact your health care provider immediately. Though anyone can be infected and become ill, severe illness or death is more common in people over age 50. http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/wnv/Prevention/Protectingyourselfandyourfamily/prevent.htm
1 comment:
Good words.
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