Greenwich Launches West Nile Virus Control Program



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When they are bitten by an infected mosquito, most people are able to fight the infection and feel either mild symptoms, such as headaches and fever, or no symptoms . It is estimated that about one in every 100 people bitten by an infected mosquito falls ill. In a minority of infected people, particularly those over 50, West Nile virus can cause serious illness, including encephalitis and meningitis. The infection causes death in 3 to 15% of people with severe forms of the disease. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, which infects it when it bites a bird carrying the virus. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to humans. Although there is no treatment or specific treatment, the symptoms and complications of the disease can often be treated.

In some people, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, WNV can cause a serious disease affecting the central nervous system. At worst, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. General symptoms appear suddenly between 5 and 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and range from mild fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, eye discomfort and discomfort, to rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, severe muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, coma or death. Residents are encouraged to see a doctor immediately if they develop any of these sudden symptoms.

"Personal measurements are extremely important to protect against mosquito bites during the day and at night," says Michael S. Long. The following precautions should be taken:

  • Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • If you plan to go out for a long time, wear long-sleeved shirts and a mosquito repellent. according to the manufacturer's instructions on the label (10% or less of DEET for children and no more than 30% of DEET for adults). Cover the arms and legs of children playing outdoors and cover parks or cars with mosquito nets
  • Do not camp at night near stagnant or stagnant water where mosquitoes are most
  • In addition, residents of Greenwich are encouraged to continue to participate in the city's mosquito control efforts by eliminating stagnant water areas. around their houses, which includes:

    YARD AND HOUSE CHECKLIST

    • Get rid of old tires, cans, buckets, cans, cans, bottles or containers d & # 39; water.
    • Keep gutters, drains, ditches and culverts free of weeds and garbage so water flows properly
    • Cover garbage cans to prevent spills. rainwater to penetrate
    • Repair leaking pipes and outdoor faucets. 59005] Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
    • Make sure your pool is well chlorinated every day
    • Fill in tree rotting holes and hollow concrete stumps.
    • Change the water of bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.

    • Keep the grass cut short and the shrubs trimmed around the house so that adult mosquitoes can not hide it.
    • Eliminate water collected in boat or pool lids
    • Ponds and stagnant water plans that do not support fish, frogs or other amphibians that eat mosquito larvae can be treated with a biological control agent such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) and Bacillus sphaericus (BS). It is suggested to contact the Ministry of Health or the Greenwich Conservation Commission in case of treatment

    For more information on the city's larviciding treatment program, recommendations for personal protection and management of the property, Connecticut's mosquito management program. are available.

    The City of Greenwich Mosquito Management Brochure is available in the community and on the City Web site

    Greenwich Department of Health – Environmental Services Division: 203-987 -1001, greenwichct.org

    203-622-6461

    Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut Communications Division: 860-424-4100

    ] DEEP Mosquito Management Program Website: ct.gov/mosquito

    Connecticut Department of Public Health: ct.gov/dph

    Toxic Risk Assessment Program: 860-509- 7742

    Epidemiology Program: 860-509-7994

    Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: 860-974-8604, ct. gov / caes

    Ministry of Agriculture: 860-713-2505, ct.gov/doag

    Information Line of the Westchester County Department of Health: 914-813-5000, co.westchester.ny. us / health

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