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WEST NILE VIRUS
What is it? West Nile virus is an infection spread by the bite of an
infected mosquito, and can affect people, horses, many types of birds, and
some other animals.
Where does it occur? As of September 2002, most cases have been
clustered in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The West Nile virus has been
identified in humans in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. There have been
five
reported human cases in Wisconsin with one death attributed to the
virus.
What are the symptoms? Most people who become infected with West Nile
virus will either have no symptoms or only minor flu-like symptoms, such as
fever, headache and body aches. On rare occasions, West Nile virus
infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness know as West
Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). Symptoms of encephalitis
include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of
consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis. The risk of severe
disease is higher for persons 50 years of age or older.
What can I do to protect myself? Preventing mosquito bites will
prevent West Nile virus infection. To avoid mosquito bites:
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Apply insect repellant
containing DEET when you are outdoors
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Consider staying indoors
at dawn, dusk and in the early evening
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Wear long-sleeved
clothing and long pants treated with repellants containing permethrin or
DEET, since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing
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Eliminate the number of
places available for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by eliminating standing
water from around your home or apartment
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