Virus del Nilo Occidental

Para informacion del Virus del Nilo Occidental,

Por favor vea

http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/enfermedades/wnv.htm

Some Key Questions and Answers

About West Nile Virus

Source:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Q:        WHAT IS THE PRIMARY WAY PEOPLE GET WEST NILE VIRUS?

A:        From bites from infected mosquitoes.

Q:        CAN WEST NILE VIRUS BE SPREAD FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER?

A:        No.  Only through a bite from an infected mosquito.

Q:        WHAT ABOUT DEAD BIRDS?

A:        Mosquitoes acquire West Nile Virus from birds.  People acquire West Nile Virus from mosquitoes, not dead birds.

Q:        WHAT IF I SEE A DEAD BIRD IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD.

A:        The Department of Health Services in Los Angeles County is no longer asking the public to report dead birds.  If you find a dead bird in your neighborhood, dispose of it safely using gloves, a plastic bag or a shovel.  Do not touch it with your bare hands.

Q:        WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS?

A:

·                    When you are outside, use insect repellent that contains DEET. Spray repellent on exposed skin and clothing.

·                    Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.  Be especially careful during these hours.  Wear long sleeved shirts, sox and pants during these hours.

·                    Wear light colored clothing, so you can see mosquitoes that land on you.

·                    Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep out mosquitoes. 

·                    Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels.

·                    Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly.

·                    Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t in use.

Q:        HOW OFTEN SHOULD I APPLY INSECT REPELLENT (WITH DEET)?

A:        As often as you go outside.  Some brands last longer than others (read the directions on brands that you are considering).  Also, sweating, perspiration or getting wet may mean that you need to apply the repellent more often.

Q:        WHAT ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR USING REPELLENT?

A:

·                    Don’t apply repellent under layers of clothing

·                    Use repellent that has between 10% and 30% DEET.

·                    Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin

·                    After returning indoors, wash infected skin with soap and water

·                    Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas

·                    Do not spray aerosol or pump products on your face.  Spray into your hands and

then apply to your face with your hands.

·                    Repellent can also be sprayed onto clothing, helping keep mosquitoes from biting

through loosely-woven fabrics

Q:        WHAT ABOUT REPELLENT FOR CHILDREN?

A:       

·                    It is safe for children, as long as you follow the directions on the container.

·                    Always apply the repellent yourself to the child’s skin, using your hands to spread

it.  Do not spray it on them.

·                    Never apply it to a child’s hands  (They may put their hands in their mouth and get

sick from the repellent)

Q:        CAN I USE REPELLENT AND SUN SCREEN LOTION AT THE SAME TIME?

A:        Yes

Q:        WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?

A:        The symptoms are similar to a flu virus.  If you have recently been bitten by a mosquito

            and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact a physician or go to a public health

            clinic as soon as possible. These symptoms could include a high fever,

            headache, general weakness, vomiting and tremors.  Symptoms could vary

            by person.

Q:        IS THERE A WEB SITE THAT HAS THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT WEST

            NILE VIRUS?

A:        Go to www.cdc.gov.    This is the site from the Federal Government’s  Centers for

            Disease Control and Prevention.  It contains the most comprehensive and most

            up-to-date information on this disease.

Q:        DOES EVERYONE BITTEN BY A MOSQUITO WITH WEST NILE VIRUS GET

            SICK?

A:        No, less than 2% of all people bitten by mosquitoes with West Nile Virus get sick.  But if you suspect you might have the disease, contact a physician or go to a public health clinic as soon as possible.

Q:        ARE YOUNG CHILDREN MORE SUSCEPTIBLE THAN ADULTS?

A:        No. The most susceptible are older adults.  But children can get the disease, so it is very important that you do everything you can to prevent that happening (see hints above) and contact a physician immediately if you suspect he or she has West Nile Virus.

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about West Nile Virus, please click here