Protect your Family from West Nile Virus

West Nilevirus

West Nilevirus

Mosquito vectorIncidental infections

Bird reservoir hosts

Incidental infections

West Nile Virus (WNV) normally circulates between wild birds and mosquitoes

Humans can also get the virus. Horses are particularly susceptible. People and horses do not pass on the virus.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

• WNV is a member of the flavivirus family of the Japanese Encephalitis virus serocomplex

• WNV may cause severe encephalitis (brain inflammation) in humans, horses and birds

• Crows and blue jays are highly susceptible

WNV

• WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito)

• WNV has been detected in more than 20 species of mosquitoes in North America

• Therefore, protection against mosquito bites is very important

WNV• WNV can cause severe encephalitis (brain inflammation) in humans

• Since 1999, 10% of people who developed encephalitis due to WNV infection have died

• The risk for WNV is greatest in the very young, immune-compromised and elderly people

• There is no vaccine for people at the present time

• There are two important ways to protect yourself against WNV……………..

WNV

2. MosquitoControl

1. Personal Protection

• Active Ingredients– For adults it is recommended that no more

than 30% active ingredient be used– For children no more than 10-15% active

ingredient– Adults should apply to children and avoid

eyes, mouth and nose

– “Follow the manufacturer’s directions printed on the label”

Chemical Repellents

Mosquito Control

• Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs and complete their development.

• Baby mosquitoes (larvae) can turn into adult mosquitoes in as little as a week.

• A female mosquito can lay up to hundreds of eggs in her lifetime.

• By eliminating water-holding containers, you can reduce mosquitoes around your home.

• For information regarding this slide presentation, please contact:

Dr. William JA Saville

Extension Epidemiologist

The Ohio State University

Saville.4@osu.edu

Chair, Education and Communication Subcommittee

Ohio West Nile Virus Work Group

Web site: http://prevmed.vet.ohio-state.edu