Month: September 2013
West Nile Virus
“September is the peak of West Nile Virus (WNV) season so I encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent with DEET and to limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd. The Department is reminding residents to take the following additional steps to protect against West Nile Virus including:
In July, the Department launched a public awareness campaign alerting people to the dangers of West Nile Virus. Ads have been featured on NJ Transit trains and buses since July and Public Service Announcements in English and Spanish began airing last month. Additional WNV information is available on the Department’s Sandy recovery website at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/hurricane_recovery_resources.shtml Last year was the most active West Nile Virus season in the state’s history with 48 cases and six deaths. In 2011, there were seven cases and no deaths. In 2010, there were 30 cases and two fatalities.
Many people infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill and may not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be mild or severe and show up three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis or meningitis) which can lead to coma, convulsions and death. Older persons or people with weaker immune symptoms may have more severe symptoms. Anyone who suspects they may have WNV should visit their health care provider for further evaluation and potential testing for WNV. There is no treatment for WNV, and mild to moderate infections usually resolve within 7 to 10 days. More severe infections may require hospitalization and supportive treatment. |