The Chief, Entomological Sciences Branch Army Public Health Command - North, notified the joint base of positive detection for West Nile Virus (WNV) on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base. Samples were taken in July and confirmed on July 31. To date, NO positive WNV has been detected on the Fort Myer or Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. You may notice garrison personnel spraying, checking for water pooling in the area, and taking general precautions to eliminate and/or prevent mosquitoes from multiplying. Below are FAQs from the CDC website for your information. From the CDC (cdc.gov/westnile/faq/genQuestions.html): West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. Anyone living in an area where West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes can get infected. West Nile virus has been detected in all lower 48 states (not in Hawaii or Alaska). Outbreaks have been occurring every summer since 1999. The risk of infection is highest for people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities because of greater exposure to mosquitoes. The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites: - Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. - Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active. - Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning. - Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:45:00 +0000
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