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West Nile Virus

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


About West Nile Virus

 

What is it?
West Nile Virus is a virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is not known how long it has been in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the virus probably has been in the United States since early summer 1999. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other animals. Generally the virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The incubation period of West Nile Virus in humans is 3 to 14 days. Approximately 80% of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. Up to 20% of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent, and rarely, death can occur.

How can I reduce my risk of getting West Nile Virus?
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid getting the West Nile Virus. Remember the Four Ds: Drain, Dusk/Dawn, Dress and DEET.

DRAIN standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Standing water can be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. It takes three to seven days for thousands of mosquitoes to develop in stagnant water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property; mosquitoes can breed in as little as a thimble full of water!

DUSK/DAWN are the times of day you should stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.

DRESS in long-sleeved shirts and wear pants when you are outside. Spray thin clothing with insect repellent.

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Other effective EPA-registered repellants include Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [active ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)]. (See Using Repellent Safely).

Below are some additional suggestions to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home, apartment or business

  • Avoid over-watering your yard and use additional landscaping to absorb standing water on your property.
  • Keep your lawn mowed; mosquitoes typically rest in high grass and weeds.
  • Repair leaking pipes and outside faucets.
  • Store wading pools and other toys that may catch water upside down or under cover.
  • Keep rain gutters free of leaves and debris that can cause standing water and create mosquito breeding sites.
  • Remove junk and debris from your property that may hold water.
  • Treat standing water that can't be drained with environmentally friendly Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) briquets or Bti granules, available at North Richland Hills home and garden stores.
  • Reduce vegetation on the edges of ornamental ponds where mosquitoes breed or add mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis, a local minnow that eats mosquito larvae. Gambusia minnows may be purchased at North Richland Hills home and garden stores.
  • Water bodies that are moving or contain fish, frogs, or other animals that eat mosquito larvae do not need treatment.

Also, help to mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing torn or loose screens on windows, doors, patios, and porches.


Has West Nile Virus been found in North Richland Hills?
Yes. West Nile Virus has been found in mosquito pools (samples) collected for the Tarrant County Public Health Mosquito Surveillance Project in 2008, as well as in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003. North Richland Hills has also suspected, probable, and confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus over the past years. The following dates and locations indicate samples collected that were positive for West Nile Virus and do not represent all of the locations tested.

  • September 15, 2008: Mosquito sample, 5700 block of Rio De Janeiro

In 2007, there were 3 human cases and 4 positive mosquito pools. In 2006, there was one confirmed human case and 3 positive mosquito pools. In 2005, there were 3 probable human cases of West Nile Virus and 6 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile Virus. In 2004, 5 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile Virus. In 2003, North Richland Hills had one confirmed human case, one suspected human case, and West Nile Virus was found in 6 mosquito pools.


About the City of North Richland Hills Mosquito Control

What is the City of North Richland Hills doing to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus?
Surveillance. North Richland Hills Neighborhood Services is involved in a seasonal surveillance program under the direction of Tarrant County Public Health to monitor for West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases within North Richland Hills. During the months of May through October, mosquitoes are collected and submitted to the Tarrant County Public Health to test for West Nile Virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne diseases. If you would like to request that a mosquito trap be placed on your property, please contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 817-427-6650.

Positive Response. Upon receiving a positive result for West Nile Virus, Public Works and Neighborhood Services work to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and educate residents on how they can prevent mosquito infestations. Public Works sprays for mosquitoes in areas where West Nile Virus has been confirmed, and they place larvicide in public areas of standing water. Citizens may also request that Public Works spray their neighborhood for mosquitoes and/or place larvicide in public creeks or ditches. Code Compliance acts to enforce nuisance violations on private property including standing water and high grass.

In addition, informational handouts addressing the importance of personal protection from West Nile Virus are available at many North Richland Hills city departments, and Citicable is broadcasting a West Nile Virus public service announcement several times daily.

How do I report standing water on City property?
Please contact Public Works at 817-427-6460.

If I find a dead bird, what should I do?
Throw it away. The City of North Richland Hills is not collecting dead birds to test for West Nile Virus. Instead, we are participating in the mosquito surveillance project managed by the Tarrant County Public Health Department. There is no evidence suggesting that West Nile Virus can be spread by contact with a dead bird, however, avoid bare-handed contact when disposing of any dead animal. If you find multiple dead birds on your property, you may want to report this to Neighborhood Services in order to determine priority areas for placement of a mosquito trap, but North Richland Hills will not be collecting any dead birds this year.

My neighbor has high grass, a stagnant swimming pool, or junk and debris on his property that may be a breeding site for mosquitoes. What should I do?
Contact Code Compliance at 817-427-6663.

What if I have safety concerns when the Public Works Department sprays for mosquitoes in my neighborhood?
Currently the Public Works Department does not give prior notice to spraying for mosquitoes. However, you may contact Public Works to be placed on a list of citizens that have allergies to chemical pesticides. For safety concern issues you may also contact the Public Works Department at 817-427-6460. The department can provide further information including the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product used by the City of North Richland Hills.

FAQ About West Nile Virus and Pets

Can West Nile Virus (WNV) cause illness in horses?
Yes. For information, please see WNV and Horses

Can West Nile Virus (WNV) cause illness in dogs or cats?
Not likely. It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive (managing symptoms, if present) and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent. There is no documented evidence of dog or cat-to-person transmission of West Nile virus.

Can I use insect repellent on my pets?
No. DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them by licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet.

West Nile Virus and Mosquito Control Links

Where can I find more information?
For more information about West Nile Virus and mosquito control, call the North Richland Hills Department of Neighborhood Services at 817-427-6650 or call the Texas Department of State Health Services at 1-888-883-9997.