West Nile Virus
The Agawam Health Department would like to remind all residents of the risk for exposure to West Nile Virus (WNV) or eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
WNV infections are more common than EEE, but most do not cause any symptoms. In cases with symptoms you may have a fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands and possible skin rash. EEE is rare but serious, exhibiting a high fever, stiff neck, headache, brain swelling leading to possible coma and death.
It is imperative that the public protects themselves from mosquito exposure during the hours of dust to dawn when mosquito activity is at its highest. If you must be outside please use caution.
Preventative measures:
- Apply an Insect Repellant. Using a product with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535. All products should be used as directed on the package label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Clothing to Prevent Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeve tops, long pants and socks when outdoors will prevent skin exposure and help prevent mosquito bites.
- Drain All Areas of Standing Water. Emptying areas of standing water, such as birdbaths, empty flowerpots, old tires, wheel barrows, and buckets and wading pools, this will prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Check rain gutters and drains that may be clogged and harbor mosquitoes also.
- Make Sure All Windows and Doors Have Screens. Repair or replace missing or torn screens to insure mosquitoes remain outside
- Mosquito netting. When your baby is outdoors use mosquito netting over playpens and carriages.
- Outdoor camping. Avoid overnight camping near freshwater swamps to reduce your risk of EEE virus. If you must camp, use a tent with mosquito netting and repellent.
- Protect Your Pets. Animals that remain outside should be using veterinarian approved mosquito repellents or vaccinated to prevent WNV and/or EEE. Horses should be sheltered inside indoor stables whenever possible.