ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES WEST NILE VIRUS IN ARIZONA

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)? Mosquito-borne virus which occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East First appeared in U.S. in N.Y. in 1999, first appeared in Arizona in 2003 WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord)

West Nile Virus Transmission Cycle West Nile virus West Nile virus Mosquito vector Incidental infections Bird reservoir hosts Incidental infections

WNV TRANSMISSION Affects humans, horses, birds, and others (tree squirrels, goats, llamas) Transmitted via infected mosquitoes Also transmitted through blood and blood products, organ transplants from infected individuals, breast feeding and laboratory exposure Blood supply is screened - since 7/03

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? Everyone is at risk- ALL AGES You can “fight the bite” The chance of becoming seriously ill is low Most people who are infected don’t get sick or have very mild symptoms Approximately 20% may experience flu-like symptoms lasting several days to many weeks (West Nile Fever)

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? - continued There is no treatment specific for human WNV infection (supportive care) There is no vaccine for human WNV infection at this time Infected mosquitoes are night biters Most new Arizona cases to date are located within Maricopa County

SIGNS AND SYMTOMS Symptoms may include fever, headache, swollen glands, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes rash Contact a health care provider if symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, confusion and/or disorientation

HOW DO I PREVENT WNV? Reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and in your neighborhood: Reduce or eliminate standing water Fix or install window and door screens Take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites

MOSQUITO CONTROL Reduce or eliminate standing water around your home, as mosquitoes breed in water: Dispose of or turn upside down any cans, containers, or empty ceramic pots Remove all discarded tires from your property Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers kept outdoors

MOSQUITO CONTROL - continued Change water in bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots at least 2x per week Clean vegetation and debris from ponds Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs Turn over plastic wading pools, canoes, wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use

MOSQUITO CONTROL - continued Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property Make sure gutters are cleaned and drained properly Drain water from pool covers Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets Drain evaporative coolers when not in use during the monsoon season

COMMON BACKYARD BREEDING SOURCES

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors after dusk when mosquitoes are most active Avoid outside activity at dusk and dawn during peak mosquito season Use a mosquito repellent, according to directions when outdoors

REPELLENT Repellent can be applied onto clothing Don’t apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin Be sure to wash it off after returning indoors Don’t spray repellent in enclosed areas Don’t spray directly onto your face

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children are at risk for WNV illness Follow personal precaution guidelines: Insect repellent should always be used according to product label Check with your health care provider for further information Keep repellents out of reach of children

ANIMALS & WNV Horses Horses can be vaccinated against WNV See your large animal vet Dogs & cats Very rare Contact your veterinarian for information about pets and livestock

WHAT ARE HEALTH OFFICIALS DOING ABOUT WNV IN AZ? Monitoring WNV activity through: Mosquito trapping and testing Dead bird testing Sick horse reporting Sentinel chicken testing Conducting mosquito control in higher risk areas Monitoring human cases State, local county and tribal agencies are working together to prevent WNV

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Your local health department Maricopa County West Nile Virus hotline (602) Fogging Hotline (602) Arizona Department of Health Services West Nile Virus hotline: Metro Phoenix (602) Outside of Maricopa County