Deschutes County is one of the few counties in Oregon that had no West Nile virus (WNv) activity last year. However, last summer WNv was established in most of Oregon and, once established in an area, cases can accelerate. Prepare your family for the possibility of the virus' arrival in Central Oregon this year with the following information.

The start of mosquito season in Central Oregon is generally May through the end of September with August being the peak of season. At this date, no mosquitoes in Oregon have tested positive for the virus.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through infected mosquitoes. Certain species of mosquitoes carry WNv and acquire the virus when they feed on infected birds. In a very small number of cases, WNv has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. WNv is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

Eliminate Mosquitoes Around Your Home:

The first line of defense against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquitoes. Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas (standing water) around your home such as puddles or containers that hold water. This includes old tires, buckets and cans. Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths or stock tanks at least once a week. Consider using products sold in garden stores containing larvicidal bacteria to treat ponds or bodies of water that cannot be eliminated to kill mosquito larvae. Inspect all window and door screens at home to make sure they are free of holes.

Protect Yourself:

Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Use insect repellents with DEET according to directions and place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outside.

What are the Symptoms? Who is at Risk?

WNv can be a serious illness and affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary and develop between 3 and 14 days after an infected mosquito bites a person. There is no specific treatment for the virus.

Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNv will show NO symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent of people infected will display symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands, and skin rash. Symptoms can last from a few days up to several weeks. One in 150 people infected with WNv will develop serious illness. This may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness or paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks; neurological effects may be permanent.

Young children and adults over 50 are at higher risk of getting sick. If you or someone you know is at risk and develops symptoms, seek medical care.

For more information about preventing West Nile virus, please call 322-7418 or visit www.deschutes.org or

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ .