I received this report on West Nile in Escambia County. It is important to remember that West Nile is transmitted from mosquitoes to birds to mosquitoes to people. If you spot any dead birds in your area, please let us know (SWMC 850-267-2112) so that we can perform tests to determine whether the bird is infected with West Nile. In addition, this is an excellent time to survey your property and make sure that all standing water is removed. This disease attacks elderly and young whose immune systems are frail.
When in doubt please give us a call and we are here to serve you, South Walton Mosquito Control 850-267-2112.
Commissioner John J. Magee
West Nile Case Reported In Escambia County
September 10, 2008
The Escambia County Health Department has issued a Health Alert for West Nile virus following the report of the first adult case of West Nile Virus since 2006. Residents and visitors are urged to take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The infected person in an elderly male that lives south of Interstate 10. But with the risk of West Nile, residents in North Escambia should follow the ?5 D?s of Prevention? as well.
Mobile County (AL) authorities announced on Tuesday one confirmed and two suspected cases of West Nile .
The 5 D?s of Prevention
? Dusk and Dawn: Do not go outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood during the
twilight hours of dusk and at dawn.
? Dress: Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
? DEET: When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing
DEET are recommended. Check labels before using a product on infants and children. If
an infant is too young to wear repellent and must be outdoors, a parent should place
mosquito netting over the infant?s carrier. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other
repellent options for individuals who cannot wear DEET.
? Drainage: Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where
mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to
prevention.
? Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good condition, without any tears
or holes that allow mosquitoes to enter your home. Place screens on open windows.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
? Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
? Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
? Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
? Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
? Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
? Pump out bilges on boats.
? Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
? Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
? Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
What is West Nile Virus?
? West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness ? about one in 150 people infected with
WNV will develop severe illness.
? The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness
and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may
be permanent.
? Mild Symptoms in Some: Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have
symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes
swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last
for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several
weeks.
? No Symptoms in Most People: Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5)
who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all
When in doubt please give us a call and we are here to serve you, South Walton Mosquito Control 850-267-2112.
Commissioner John J. Magee
West Nile Case Reported In Escambia County
September 10, 2008
The Escambia County Health Department has issued a Health Alert for West Nile virus following the report of the first adult case of West Nile Virus since 2006. Residents and visitors are urged to take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The infected person in an elderly male that lives south of Interstate 10. But with the risk of West Nile, residents in North Escambia should follow the ?5 D?s of Prevention? as well.
Mobile County (AL) authorities announced on Tuesday one confirmed and two suspected cases of West Nile .
The 5 D?s of Prevention
? Dusk and Dawn: Do not go outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood during the
twilight hours of dusk and at dawn.
? Dress: Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
? DEET: When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing
DEET are recommended. Check labels before using a product on infants and children. If
an infant is too young to wear repellent and must be outdoors, a parent should place
mosquito netting over the infant?s carrier. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other
repellent options for individuals who cannot wear DEET.
? Drainage: Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where
mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to
prevention.
? Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good condition, without any tears
or holes that allow mosquitoes to enter your home. Place screens on open windows.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
? Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
? Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
? Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
? Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
? Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
? Pump out bilges on boats.
? Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
? Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
? Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
What is West Nile Virus?
? West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness ? about one in 150 people infected with
WNV will develop severe illness.
? The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness
and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may
be permanent.
? Mild Symptoms in Some: Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have
symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes
swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last
for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several
weeks.
? No Symptoms in Most People: Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5)
who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all
Re-Elect
John J. Magee
South Walton Mosquito Control Seat 1
"M" is for "Mosquito" *** "M" is for "MAGEE"
John J. Magee
South Walton Mosquito Control Seat 1
"M" is for "Mosquito" *** "M" is for "MAGEE"
