County of Hudson, Bernard M. Hartnett, Jr., County Executive

The West Nile Virus: Risks and Facts

Department of Public Resources

Mosquito Control Task Force

595 County Avenue

Secaucus, NJ 07094

(201) 558-7030

 

Hudson County Mosquito Control

Origin of West Nile Virus:  Originally found in Africa, West Asia, and Europe, the West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by female mosquitoes which have taken a blood meal primarily from birds infected with WNV.  If the mosquito then takes a second blood meal from humans or other mammals, they infect the host.

Human Infection of WNV:  An infected person cannot transmit the virus to uninfected mosquitoes or other people.  The virus cycle stops with the infected person.  Human incubation is about three to ten days with symptoms consisting of headache, high fever, lethargy, body aches, and nausea.  Severity of symptoms may range from mild headache, fever and skin rash to meningitis, encephalitis, coma and death.

Human Risk of WNV:  Recovery from infection of the WNV in healthy people may occur within two weeks.  The elderly with depleted immune systems, the very young with undeveloped immune systems and those with immune system complications are at a greater risk, with a fatality rate of about 10%.  Research indicates that people may be infected with the virus and exhibit no symptoms.

Cure for WNV: Presently there is no known cure or vaccine against WNV, however, complete recovery in most people takes about two weeks.  For more severe cases, medical assistance may be necessary to alleviate discomforting symptoms.

WNV in Mammals: Although dogs, rabbits and pigs show resistance to infection and show no response to the disease, other animals such as horses, monkeys, sheep, mice, and hamsters do show symptoms of the disease.

WNV in Avian Species: Birds are carriers, but generally do not show signs of WNV infection.  As carriers, birds are able to pass the virus to feeding mosquitoes.  Some avian species, such as crows have been reported to show signs of illness.  As published by the Asbury Park Press on 3/15/00, more than 5,000 crows were killed by this virus last summer.  There were no human cases in New Jersey.

Precautions to Reduce Contracting WNV

Reducing the risk of being infected with the West Nile virus can be done by following these simple precautions:

  1. Eliminate mosquito breeding habitats around the home by eliminating all containers of standing water such as tires, cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and pool covers.

  2. Avoid shady areas and brush where mosquitoes may be at rest.

  3. Repair or replace screens on windows and doors.

  4. Limit activities outdoors during dawn, evening and dusk hours.

  5. Using insect repellants containing 20-30 % of DEET and wearing proper attire such as long sleeve shirts and pants may offer some protection.

  6. Use caution when applying insect repellants on infants and on children.  Consider the use of an insect repellant containing 10 % or less DEET.  Also, avoid applying repellants on children's hands, or around the mouth and eye areas.

Follow these precautions and you and your family will have a safe summer!

 

The following is a listing of local and state agencies who can address any questions regarding the West Nile virus and mosquito control in general:

Municipal Health Departments

Paper print version, Printed 5/00 - M. Vega, Dir., Public Resources

Hudson County in an equal opportunity employer