West Nile Virus

Protect Yourself and Your Family

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (an Inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans and other animals.  The virus is named after the West Nile region of the Uganda where it was first isolated in 1937.  The virus appeared for the first time in the United States during a 1999 outbreak in New York that killed seven people.

Most people bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus do not get sick.

West Nile virus is spread to humans, birds and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that is carrying the virus.  West Nile virus is not spread from person to person, and no evidence indicates the virus can be spread directly from birds to humans.

Presently, the Peninsula Health District, York County Mosquito Control, and York County Animal Control is collecting only  three types of DEAD birds for testing; CROWS, BLUE JAYS and RAPTORS (i.e. hawks, falcons, owls).   

If one of these birds is found dead and not too decomposed,  please call York County Animal Control at 890-360l for removal and testing.  Once decomposition starts the animal will have sunken eyes and the presence of fly larvae (maggots), and at that point testing will be of no value.  

You can prevent West Nile Virus

Control Mosquitoes from Breeding

• Turn over or remove containers in your yard where rainwater collects, such as potted plant rays, buckets or toys.
• Empty birdbaths once a week.
• Remove old tires from your yard.
• Drain wading pools often.
• Clean roof gutters and downspout screens
• Eliminate standing water on flat roofs.
• Do not allow water to collect in garbage cans.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
• If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting
• Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children.
• Only adults should apply repellent on children
• Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face.
• Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing.  Do not use repellent under clothing.
• Do not apply repellent over cuts, wounds, sunburn, or irritated skin.
• Wash off repellent daily and reapply as needed.

For aerial spraying schedules or questions related to mosquitoes, please call York County Drainage and Mosquito Control weekdays between 7 A.M. and 3 P.M. at 890-3790.

For more information visit these web sites.

Virginia Department of Health

 www.vdh.state.va.us

 

York County Mosquito Control

County of York - EDS - Mosquito Control

 

Animal Control Home

 

FLS Home