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Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Holiday Weekend!
(Santa Ana) –
Labor Day marks the traditional end of Summer and the start of a new school
year, but public health officials are hopeful that everyone will take a few
extra precautions this holiday weekend to protect themselves and their
families from West Nile Virus (WNV).
“Traditionally, long holiday weekends have brought concerns about motor
vehicle collisions and other recreational accidents. It is especially
important this year that people take action to prevent mosquito bites and
reduce their chance of WNV infection,” said Dr. Mark Horton, County Health
Officer. “Reducing your risk of West Nile Virus infection is easy and won’t
keep you from enjoying the holiday weekend.”
Through the end of August, 370 confirmed cases of WNV infection had been
reported this year in California, including 20 people from Orange County.
According to the California Department of Health Services, ten WNV-related
deaths have occurred in the state.
Recommendations to deter mosquitoes include using insect repellent
containing DEET, always following label directions. If you will be outside
at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, plan on wearing
appropriate clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks.
Light colored clothing can also help you to see any mosquitoes that might
land on you. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes
with insect repellent will give extra protection. Don’t spray insect
repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing. Since insect
repellents should not be used on infants younger than two months, parents
should place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions that might weaken their
immune system should consider reducing their exposure to mosquito bites by
limiting their time outdoors. Around your home, basic WNV prevention
measures include eliminating any standing water from your property to reduce
mosquito breeding and making sure your window and door screens are in good
condition to keep mosquitoes outside.
Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms or
become ill, but about 20% of those with WNV infection may have fever,
headache, body aches, rash, or other mild to moderate symptoms. About one
out of every 150 people infected with WNV may develop a more severe form of
the illness and adults over 50 years of age are at increased risk of serious
complications from WNV infection. Anyone who develops symptoms such as high
fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches or stiff neck should
seek medical care immediately.
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