Three Rivers Public Health Department announced two confirmed deaths of West Nile Virus (WNV) within the health district. WNV is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
People can reduce their risk by:
• Using a repellant that contains DEET. The CDC also has approved picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks.
• Taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.
• Be cautious outdoors until there are consistently low overnight temperatures, even with sudden changes in weather
Most people exposed to the virus don’t get sick, but about 20 percent develop symptoms like headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In a very small proportion, less than one percent, the virus affects the nervous system, leading to a more serious illness that can cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death. Those who are more than 60 years old, have underlying medical conditions or depressed immune systems are at higher risk of more severe infections of WNV.
Free mosquito dunks are available to residents of Dodge, Washington, and Saunders counties. Mosquito dunks can be picked up at Three Rivers Public Health Department located at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave, Fremont. Mosquito wipes have also been distributed to various community locations throughout the Three Rivers jurisdiction.
