West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus

What is it and how can it be prevented? West Nile virus (WNv) is a disease new to the Western Hemisphere. It appeared in New York City in 1999. Transmitted primarily by bird biting mosquitoes, WNv can also infect humans and other animals. Most (80%) human infections of WNv go unnoticed or elicit ordinary flu-like symptoms. Some cases lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and can be fatal. The elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems may be particularly vulnerable to serious illness resulting from the virus. Prevention is relatively simple. One need only prevent becoming a mosquitoes' food source. Use of the rational approach as stated below that is part of every press release from the Connecticut EPA notice regarding WNv Following are articles, information and web connections to credible sources regarding this disease.

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors
Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions
When using DEET (the most widely used insect repellent) on children, use a product containing less than 10% DEET and wash treated skin after returning indoors

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings
Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling
Clean clogged roof gutters
Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows
Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, pool covers
Use landscaping techniques to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property

Overkill: Why Pesticide Spraying for West Nile Virus May Cause More Harm Than Good	A Report by: Toxics Action Center and Maine Environmental Policy Institute Principal Authors: William C. Sugg, III, Director, Maine Environmental Policy Institute Kim DeFeo, Connecticut Field Director, Toxics Action Center
Trapped	Story by JOEL LANG, from Northeast. Published September 3, 2000. How the lobster industry was devastated due to the spraying for mosquitoes in Long Island Sound...unintended consequences from the use of pesticides.
Top 10 Lies About West Nile Virus and Anvil	Write by Robert Lederman: President of A.R.T.I.S.T. (718) 743-3722. Presents a unique perspective for the push to spray toxic chemicals across the east coast in the late 1990's.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web advice	For OSHA information, visit this web site.
Mosquito Killing System	Mosquito Killing System is a trademark of Arctic. This press release informs regarding the use of CO2 as an attractant
Cinnamon Oil Better Than DEET	Press release points out that Cinnamon oil is better at repelling mosquitoes than is the popular insect repellant DEET.
The Truth about West Nile Virus	Information of broad interest.
2000 letter from NC Citizen	Susan Wells Vaughan <sioux@interpath.com> sent this letter of concern on Tuesday, October 24, 2000 to <sprayno@egroups.com>
AIMM	Click on articles in the left directory to find the most up-to-date information from around the world and the nation on Mosquitoes/Insect-Borne Diseases

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