For Immediate Release:
September 1, 2005

Contact:
Nanci Gonder, Chief
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Missourians Reminded to Protect Against Mosquito Bites Labor Day Weekend
as West Nile Virus Season Begins

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is reminding Missourians to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites during outdoor activities over the Labor Day weekend. August and September mark the height of mosquito breeding season and the time when most West Nile virus (WNV) cases are seen in Missouri.

“Here in late summer and early fall is when Missourians need to increase their personal protection from mosquito bites and WNV, not let down their guard,” said Julia Eckstein, DHSS director. “Labor Day weekend is the summer's last hurrah for outdoor activities, so it is a natural time for us to remind people that mosquitoes are going to be biting more through their breeding season, thus increasing people's risk of getting the virus.”

Eckstein noted that, as is the case with many other diseases, prevention is the simplest and most effective way to combat WNV. The most effective ways to prevent infection are: using effective insect repellents containing DEET, especially if going outside at dawn and dusk (mosquitoes' most active feeding times), and making sure homes, properties, and communities are protected by cleaning up junk, trash, and other things that can hold water and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can carry the virus.

There now are products on the market containing a new repellent called picaridin. Picaridin has been used for some time in Europe and Canada, and was recently approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. Picaridin is a safe, effective alternative to DEET, though it may not last as long as products containing DEET. Repellents containing DEET or picaridin should be applied to clothing and exposed skin, and outside activity minimized during dusk and dawn. These repellents can also be safely used on children over the age of two months by following directions on the product label.

It also helps to wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors to cover the skin. Homes should be mosquito-proofed by ensuring doors and windows have screens, and standing water that can serve as mosquito breeding habitat should be eliminated.

Most of the very few people who do become infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. Sometimes, though, flu-like illness results one to two weeks after exposure with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Less than one percent of infected people may develop a serious illness that includes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). These persons might experience a sudden high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions, and muscle weakness. Infection may prove fatal, especially among people over age 60, in a small number of those who develop encephalitis. WNV is not transmitted directly from birds to humans or from person to person.

Persons who do develop symptoms suggesting severe illness should seek medical attention immediately. There is no specific treatment for West Nile infection or vaccine to prevent it. Treatment of severe illnesses includes hospitalization, use of intravenous fluids and nutrition, respiratory support, prevention of secondary infections, and good nursing care.

As fall hunting season approaches, hunters should remember to follow the usual precautions when handling wild animals, in addition to protecting themselves from mosquito bites. They should wear gloves when handling and cleaning animals to prevent blood exposure to bare hands and all wild meat should be thoroughly cooked.

More information about West Nile virus, reporting dead birds, and free awareness campaign materials may be accessed on the DHSS web site at: www.dhss.mo.gov/WestNileVirus.