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(Little
Rock) In response to the report of West Nile virus
in a Sebastian County horse, the Arkansas Department of
Health is recommending that residents take precautions
for protection against illnesses spread by mosquitoes,
according to Dr. Sharon Williams, State Public Health
Veterinarian with the Department of Health.
According
to State Veterinarian, Dr. Paul Norris, of Arkansas
Livestock and Poultry Commission, test results received
from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory
indicated that a horse in the Ft. Smith area had been
infected with the virus.
“No
Arkansas residents have been diagnosed with West Nile
encephalitis this year; however, the identification of
West Nile virus in a horse is a reminder that the virus
is here and we all need to take precautions,” Williams
said. “Since the majority of human and veterinary West
Nile virus cases occurred from June through September
last year, a positive horse case this early is a little
surprising, but some other states have already seen
positive horses, birds and even mosquitoes.
It’s certainly not too early to start
protecting yourself and your loved ones from mosquito
bites. We
especially urge protecting our senior citizens, who are
at greater risk of the more serious form of the
disease.”
The
Department of Health recommends the following:
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Limit
outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when
mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
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Wear
long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside.
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Use
insect repellent that contains DEET and is approved
by the Environmental Protection Agency. (Read all
instructions carefully.)
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Eliminate
stagnant water in containers around homes where
mosquitoes can lay their eggs (e.g., buckets,
flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
Use larvicides (e.g., “mosquito dunks”)
where this is not possible.
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Keep mosquitoes from entering your home by
repairing screens in windows and doors.
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Keep the grass around your home trimmed.
West
Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis
(inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal
cord). However,
less than one percent of persons bitten by an infected
mosquito experience severe illness.
Most people infected with diseases transmitted by
mosquitoes – including West Nile virus – experience
no symptoms or have only mild symptoms such as fever and
headaches. More severe infection can include high fever,
severe headache, stiff neck, altered mental state and
death. Although those over 50 years of age are more
likely to have severe infections, anyone who develops
symptoms should consult a physician.
The
Arkansas Department of Health will begin surveillance
for West Nile virus in dead blue jays and crows on
Monday, May 19, 2003.
Citizens may bring birds of these species to
their county health unit.
Testing will end in a county once a positive bird
is confirmed, and we know virus is present in the
county.
For
more information about West Nile virus, contact any
member of the WNV Team at the Arkansas Department of
Health (501) 661-2893.
For information about West Nile virus and horses,
contact the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission at
(501) 907-2400.
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Please
note: Fact sheets and other information about West Nile
virus can be accessed at the following websites:
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