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Mosquito Season

Mosquito Season. Mosquito/West Nile Virus Link. Over 50 types of mosquitoes thrive in Harris County West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus

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Mosquito Season

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  1. Mosquito Season

  2. Mosquito/West Nile Virus Link • Over 50 types of mosquitoes thrive in Harris County • West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus • It is generally cycled between birds and mosquitoes and transmitted to mammals including horses and man by infected mosquitoes • WNV has historically been found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City • Symptoms: • Studies have shown that only a small percentage of infected humans show symptoms of disease • Symptoms, when they occur, are fever, headache, rash, and aches • In severe cases, encephalitis, meningitis and meningeoncephalitis may occur • Severe symptoms may include high fever, disorientation, tremors, coma, paralysis and death

  3. Risk Factors • Fatalities are more likely in people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems • The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness ranges from 5-15 days in humans • West Nile virus is transmitted from bites by a mosquito infected with WNV • Only 62 of the 176 species of mosquitoes have been found infected with WNV during testing, however only very few of these species are actually involved with disease transmission • A mosquito becomes infected by feeding on a wild bird that has WNV in its blood. The mosquito then transmits the WNV in its saliva when it bites a person

  4. Check out the birds Certain species of birds, especially crows, jays, hawks, ravens, gulls, pigeons, ducks, owls, sparrows, and finches are highly susceptible to WNV. Dead birds can be the first indication of virus transmission in an area. If you find a bird that has recently died with no obvious cause, call your local health department

  5. Mosquito 3D’s Drain – • Many mosquito problems are likely to come from water-filled containers • All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Drain any standing water around your house Defend – • Three repellents that are approved and recommended are: • DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) • Picaridin (KBR 3023) • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8-diol, or PMD) Dress – • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing • Some of the 176 mosquito species are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes • When practical, wear long sleeves and pants

  6. Avoiding Bites • If you have a deck or patio, light it using General Electric yellow “Bug Lights”. These lights are not repellant, per se, but do not attract mosquitoes like other incandescent lights. • Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on your deck or patio can provide an effective low-tech solution. • Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition • To control mosquitoes inside a house, use a "flying insect spray;" Be sure to follow the directions on the label

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