DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

WEST NILE VIRUSWest Nile virus (WNV) is primarily spread by mosquitoes that feed oninfected birds. But realize, out of 700+ species of mosquitoes in the U.S.(and 74 species in Canada), very few - less than 1% - become infected withWNV. And out of all the people bitten by an infected mosquito, less than1% will become severely ill so chances are pretty slim you’d ever get it.The virus usually causes fever, aches and general discomfort. Severe casescan cause inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord (meningitis),inflammation of the brain itself (encephalitis) or a polio-like syndromethat can result in loss of function of one or more limbs (WN poliomyelitisor acute flaccid paralysis). These conditions can be life-altering or fatal.People of all ages could develop serious health effects, but seniors and folkswith weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.Things to watch for…(Most symptoms appear 2 to 15 days after being bitten)Mild flu-like symptoms - fever, headache & body achesMild skin rash and swollen lymph glandsSevere symptoms - severe headache, high fever, neckstiffness, confusion, shakes, coma, convulsions,muscle weakness, paralysis, meningitis or encephalitisWhat to do…• There is no “cure” other than a body fighting off the virusnaturally - mainly just watch symptoms.• Consider boosting immune system to help fight virus (liketaking astragalus, Vitamin C, garlic, mushrooms, zinc,good multiple vitamin + mineral supplement, etc. - butcheck with doctor if taking prescription medications).• If mild symptoms appear, keep watching person for a fewweeks in case symptoms get worse.• If severe symptoms appear, get medical attention quicklysince it could become deadly.Things to do to avoid mosquito bites …• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evenings whenmosquitoes are most active.• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.• Spray clothing and exposed skin with repellent containingDEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) -- the higher % ofDEET, the longer you’re protected from bites (6.65% lastsalmost 2 hours; 20% lasts about 4 hours, etc.) Two otherrepellents are picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.164 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325