West Nile Virus

For Immediate Release

West Nile virus Identified in Union County, Oregon, 2016

Today the 23^rd of August 2016, the Union County Vector Control and Center for Human Development (CHD) Public Health Services were notified that a mosquito pool sample collected by Union County Vector Control in the Imbler area has tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNv).

West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease. About 1 in 5 infected people may show signs of West Nile fever. People at risk include those individuals over 50 years of age, people with immune compromising conditions, or those people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms may include fever above 100ºF AND severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis, or rash. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. The fever syndrome may last from a few days to several weeks. The incubation period is usually 2-14 days.

With the arrival of West Nile, it is important to reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites. The following are suggestions for protection:

Screen doors and windows should fit tightly. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
ear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing when outside.
liminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding such as clogged gutters, untreated swimming pools, buckets, empty cans or bottles, birdbaths, coolers, and tires.
void playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most productive.
se repellant, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, is advised. Follow label directions carefully. Never apply DEET directly to children or put it on children’s hands. Apply repellant first to your own hands and then onto the child. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age three. All repellants should be used according to the label.

Union County Vector Control has an ongoing surveillance program for West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases. Routine samples of mosquito pools and dead birds are collected and tested for West Nile virus on a regular basis. We have increased our mosquito spraying in an effort to minimize the number of West Nile virus vectors. As a reminder, when an area is to be fogged signs will be placed at the main entrances to the area by 3 pm on the day of fogging. The signs act as a notification to everyone in the area to remain inside after 9 pm and to close all windows and doors. It is also very important for people to eliminate any standing water and anything that could hold water for 5 days or more. They should also contact Vector Control about standing water that they are unable to remove on their own.

For more information access the following resources:

State of Oregon : http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/Pages/disease.aspx?did=8

Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Union County Contacts:

Union County Vector Control: 963-2974
HD Public Health Services: 962-8800
regon Health Authority , Dr. Emilio DeBess 971-673-1027