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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565

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West Nile Virus

Source: MSN Encarta

Public Health Solutions District Health Department has taken on a number of initiatives to detect and minimize the spread of this virus.

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?
West Nile is a virus that causes encephalitis in humans, horses, and several other species of animals. Mosquitoes that acquire it from infected birds transmit the virus to humans or other animals through a bite. The virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito DO NOT get sick. The WNV season is typically from April until October. Read more>>

WEST NILE VIRUS infection rates

WEST NILE VIRUS DEAD BIRD COLLECTION
Our department has been collecting dead birds from May through October using the following criteria:

• Though in the past we have only collected blue jays, crows, owls and hawks, this year we will start things off collecting any and all kinds of birds (so long as they are in good shape).
  
• Birds must be tested within 24 hours of death before they become too decomposed. Sunken eyes and the presence of fly larvae (maggots) mean that the bird has been dead too long.
  
• For birds that we can't accept for testing, we will instruct you to dispose of the carcass properly. As with any dead animal, use gloves or baggies on your hands when handling the bird. Birds can be double bagged and placed in a trash receptacle that other animals cannot get into. After handling any animal, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  
• Questions can be directed to our toll free number: 1-888-310-0565

PREVENTION
In terms of community prevention measures, we advise residents to wear mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions - repellent should contain DEET, picaridin oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Pregnant women and infants under two months should AVOID using DEET.

We also encourage home-owners to eliminate any standing water around their property (old tires, buckets, cans, wading pools, bird baths). Don't forget about the birdbaths, pet water dishes, plastic wading pools, toys, and wheelbarrows - empty them and turn over when not in use, and change out the water at least twice a week.

WNV TESTING FOR HUMANS
The State ONLY pays for testing of the most severe human cases, such as those who have developed meningitis and encephalitis. Individuals who fall outside the severe case category and want to be tested will need to pay for the test out-of-pocket or with private insurance.

WEST NILE VIRUS VACCINATION FOR HORSES
We have greatly reduced the number of infected horses through the WNV vaccination. It must be purchased from a veterinarian. Primary vaccination series requires two doses of vaccine, three to six weeks apart, and it takes approximately four weeks after the second vaccination for optimal immunity. For re-vaccination, horses should receive a booster three to four weeks prior to vector season, and if the vector season exceeds four months and viral load is high, the horse should probably receive a second booster.

There is no WNV vaccination for humans.

RELATED WEBSITES
www.hhs.state.ne.us
www.cdc.gov
PHS West Nile Virus Statistics