What should I know about West Nile Virus? |
The West Nile Virus (WNV) was first identified in this country in 1999 and has since moved across the United States. West Nile Virus was first reported in Washington State in 2002. The virus isn't here yet in Pierce County, but could arrive at any time. No human cases of WNV have been reported in Washington State.
The virus is transmitted to humans and animals by mosquito bites; however, only nine species out of over 50 in Washington State have the potential to transmit the virus. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never become ill.
The City of Fife hopes to answer some of your concerns. |
What can you do to protect yourself? |
- Reduce the places available for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by eliminating standing water sources from around your home. (Mosquitoes need stagnant water for a minimum of 5-7 days to complete their life cycle.)
- Empty anything that holds standing water, such as old tires, buckets, plastic covers and toys.
- Change the water in your birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and animal troughs twice a week.
- Recycle unused containers such as bottles, cans and buckets that may collect water
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
- Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight”.
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are the most active.
- Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellent when necessary, and carefully follow directions on the label.
- Report any dead crows or blue jays to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (253) 798-6578.
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What should you not do: |
- You should not put pesticides or toxic chemicals into detention ponds, ditches, creeks, streams or wetlands. Unless you are properly trained and licensed, such actions are illegal and violate city, state and federal laws.
- Pesticides and other toxic chemicals can cause harm to people and the environment. They may even pose a greater health hazard that the mosquito-borne diseases they are intended to reduce. They can also kill natural predators of mosquitoes and may actually increase mosquito populations.
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What are the risks to humans? |
- The risk of contracting the virus from a single mosquito bite is extremely low. In areas where the virus is found, less than 1% of the mosquitoes are actually infected. When bitten by an infected mosquito, less than 1% of exposed people become severely ill.
- Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. About one in five people infected by the virus develop West Nile fever, a typically mild illness that causes fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache and joint pain. These persons recover fully and do not require hospital care. A smaller number of infected persons, 1%, develop encephalitis or meningitis with symptoms of high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. It is believed that once someone has had an infection caused by West Nile virus they develop long-term protection against being infected again. Persons who are older than 50 years, particularly those who are greater than 70 years of age, are more likely to develop the serious forms of West Nile virus infection.
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What is the City of Fife doing? |
- The City is applying the same measures you are to reduce mosquitoes, such as eliminating sources of stagnant water, when possible, that provide mosquito breeding grounds. The City of Fife can help manage the risks posed by West Nile virus by initiating efforts to minimize mosquito breeding habitat, control mosquito larva in City facilities when warranted, and to educate City residents and employees about personal protection. The City does not intend to indiscriminately use pesticides since such activities will not stop the spread of the virus and poses some risks to humans and the environment.
- Widespread chemical controls are ineffective given that it is impossible to eliminate all habitats for mosquitoes. In addition, the use of pesticides can adversely affect the environment and human health. The City along with the State and County agencies are actively researching control options and are in the process of developing management guidelines for mosquitoes. Experts report that healthy wetlands provide some deterrent for mosquito development because they are homes to native fish, frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and other mosquito predators. Treating these areas would adversely affect the ecological balance of these environments and reduce the food supply for animals and other beneficial insects.
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Who can I contact for more information? Where can I learn more? |
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