Mosquito and Vector Control
Visit the USDA website Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
There is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has been infected with West Nile Virus. Data suggest that most horses recover from the infection. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.
We do not know if an infected horse can be infectious (i.e., cause mosquitoes feeding on it to become infected). However, previously published data suggest that the virus is detectable in the blood for only a few days.
A West Nile Virus vaccine for horses was recently approved, but its effectiveness is unknown.
No. EEE, WEE, and VEE belong to another family of viruses for which there is no cross-protection.
No. There is no documented evidence that West Nile Virus is transmitted between horses. However, horses with suspected West Nile Virus should be isolated from mosquito bites, if at all possible.
Following transmission by an infected mosquito, West Nile Virus multiplies in the horse’s blood system, crosses the blood brain barrier, and infects the brain. The virus interferes with normal central nervous system functioning and causes inflammation of the brain.
The same way humans become infected—by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the mosquito’s salivary glands. When mosquitoes bite or “feed” on the horse, the virus is injected into its blood system. The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds or other animals.
West Nile Virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. These is no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile Virus. Normal veterinary infection control precautions should be followed when caring for a horse suspected to have this or any viral infection.
Yes, while data suggest that most horses infected with West Nile Virus recover, results of investigations indicate that West Nile Virus has caused deaths in horses in the United States.
No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile Virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
The answer is not known at this time.
No. there is no documented evidence that West Nile Virus is transmitted from animal to animal.
The same way humans become infected — by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the mosquito’s salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus then multiplies and may cause illness. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. It is possible that dogs and cats could become infected by eating dead infected animals such as birds, but this is unproven.
West Nile Virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile Virus. Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for an animal suspected to have this or any viral infection.
There is a published report of West Nile Virus isolated from a dog in southern Africa (Botswana) in 1982. West Nile Virus has been isolated from several dead cats in 1999 and 2000. A serosurvey of dogs and cats in the epidemic area showed a low infection rate.
If you find a dead bird, particularly a crow or other corvid (e.g., jay, magpie, raven, etc.), please call the number below promptly. The bird must be dead no more than 24 hours to enable testing for West Nile Virus. Do not touch the bird. Department of Health Services will record all dead bird reports and will arrange for pickup and laboratory testing for West Nile Virus when appropriate. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid barehanded contact when handling any dead animals and use or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.
In the 1999 New York area epidemic, there was a large die-off of American crows. West Nile Virus has been identified in more than 70 species of birds found dead in the United States. Most of these birds were identified through reporting of dead birds by the public.
It is assumed that immunity will be lifelong. However, it may wane in later years. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
WestNile.ca.gov
Centers for Disease Control information on West Nile Virus
Among those with severe illness due to West Nile Virus, case-fatality rates range from three percent to 15% and are highest among the elderly. Less than one percent of persons infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illness.
Following transmission by an infected mosquito, West Nile Virus multiplies in the person’s blood system and crosses the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain. The virus interferes with normal central nervous system functioning and causes inflammation of brain tissue.
Although the vast majority of infections have been identified in birds, WNV has been shown to infect horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits.
Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile Virus. Although ticks infected with West Nile Virus have been found in Asian and Africa, their role in the transmission and maintenance of the virus is uncertain. However, there is no information to suggest that ticks played any role in the cases identified in the United States.
A recent investigation has identified transplanted organs as the source of WNV infection in four recipients or organs from a single donor. How the organ donor became infected is unknown. The organ donor might have become infected from a mosquito bite or possible acquired the infection through transfusion; an investigation of the numerous transfusions received by the organ donor is ongoing. Since the report of these cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been informed of other patients who developed WNV infection within several weeks of receiving blood products or organs. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether WNV was transmitted by transfusion or transplantation in any of these cases.
There is one documented case of trans-placental (mother-to-child) transmission of WNV in humans. Although the newborn in this case was infected with WNV at birth and had severe medical problems, it is unknown whether the WNV infection itself caused these problems or whether they were coincidental. More research will be needed to improve our understanding of the relationship-if any-between WNV infection and adverse birth outcomes.
Nevertheless, pregnant women should take precautions to reduce their risk for WMV and other arboviral infections by avoiding mosquitoes, using protective clothing and repellents containing DEET. When WNV transmission is occurring in an area, pregnant women who become ill should see their health care provider. Those whose illness is consistent with acute WNV infection should undergo appropriate diagnostic testing. For more details regarding the case described above, please see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR Dec. 20, 2002.
No. West Nile Encephalitis is NOT transmitted from person-to-person. For example, you cannot get West Nile Virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.
No. Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if the mosquito is infected, less than one percent of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any on mosquito bite are extremely small.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The virus is located in the mosquito’s salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into the animal or human, where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.
There is no specific therapy. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
Your physician will first take a medical history to assess your risk for West Nile Virus. People who live in or traveled to areas where West Nile Virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile Encephalitis; persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. If you are determined to be at high risk and have symptoms of West Nile Encephalitis, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.
Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health. If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches, you should see your doctor immediately.
Usually three to 15 days. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473)
Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death.
All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile Encephalitis; persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
You can help eliminate mosiquitos by removing stagnant water from these common backyard sources:
- Clogged rain gutters
- Neglected or out-of-order swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, or fountains. IMPORTANT: Adding chlorine will not prevent mosquito breeding. Pumps and filters must work properly to prevent breeding.
- Containers such as rain barrels, can, buckets, jars, flower pots, etc.
- Old tires
- Anything that will hold water for more than seven days.
(Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473)
Visit the American College of Physicians website: “Mosquitoes and mosquito repellents: A clinician’s guide” (Mark S. Fradin, MD. Annals of Internal Medicine. June 1, 1998; 128:931-940). You can also find more information on insect repellents at the Environmental Protection Agency website. Another good source of information about pesticides and repellents is the National Pesticide Information Center, which also operates a toll-free information line: 1-800-858-7378 (check their website for hours). (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
WestNile.ca.gov
Centers for Disease Control information on West Nile Virus
National Pesticide Information Center
Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain up to 35% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product. Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors. Note: Vitamin B and “ultrasonic” devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
No, but several companies are working towards developing a vaccine.
Prevention and control of West Nile Virus and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. The L.A. County West Vector Control District maintains such programs including: surveillance for West Nile Virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, and sentinel chickenflocks; and the implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce mosquito populations.
The San Bernardino County Vector Control Program, along with the California Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has developed a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance plan to detect West Nile Virus in the county and limit the residents’ risk of exposure to the infection. Vector Control Program routinely tests for West Nile Virus in sentinel chicken flocks maintained at various sites in the county and mosquito populations collected throughout the county. Sick, dying or dead birds that meet certain collection guidelines are also tested for West Nile Virus. (Information on this page obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
For West Nile Virus information updates call toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-273).
It is not known how long it has been in the U.S., but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer.
West Nile Virus has been commonly found in humans and birds and other vertebrates in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East, but until 1999 had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. It is not known from where the U.S. virus originated, but it is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East.
West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis Encephalitis virus found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals.
West Nile Fever is a case of mild disease in people, characterized by flu-like symptoms. West Nile Fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.
More severe disease due to a person being infected with this virus can be West Nile Encephalitis, West Nile Meningitis, or West Nile Meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammations of the brain, Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and Meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it.
The principal route of human infection with West Nile Virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually finds its way into the mosquito’s salivary glands. During subsequent blood meals, the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness.
Additional routes of infection have become apparent during the 2002 West Nile epidemic. It is important to note that these other methods of transmission represent a very small proportion of cases. A recent investigation has confirmed WNV transmission through transplanted organs. Investigations of other patients who developed WNV infection within several weeks of receiving blood products or organs are ongoing to determine whether WNV was transmitted by transfusion or transplantation in any of these cases.
These is one reported case of trans-placental (mother-to-child) WNV transmission. although transmission of WNV and similar viruses to laboratory workers is not a new phenomenon, two recent cases of WNV infection of laboratory workers have been reported.
In San Bernardino County, the roof rat is the species which lives in our residential areas, mostly under piles of wood and debris, in garages, attics, and storage areas. Keep wood piles, lumber and household items neatly stacked at least 18 inches above the ground and away from walls and fences. Clean up and haul away junk and debris and trim trees, bushes, and vines at least four feet away from your roof. Pet food, fruit trees, open trash cans and vegetable gardens initially attract rats; then they find shelter. View What is a Vector? for more information.
There are many different types of mosquitoes in San Bernardino County and each of them needs standing water to complete its life cycle. You can protect yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases these insects carry (encephalitis and malaria) by eliminating water sources on your property. Keep roof gutters and drainage ditches clean, change bird baths and animal troughs every week, store boats upside down or cover them tightly, and store tires in a covered area. Also, if you have ornamental ponds and decorative pools, contact our office to find out where mosquito fish can be purchased in San Bernardino County. Call (909) 388-4600 for more information. View
In the event that San Bernardino County or the California Department of Health Services declares emergency conditions, SBCVCP will take emergency control measures to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases.
The most effective repellents use DEET. Products containing DEET are safe when used according to label directions. These products have been approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency after undergoing rigorous testing.
Avoid activity outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellent according to label instructions. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Most people who are bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus will not get sick. Some individuals will experience headache, high fever and neck stiffness. In less than 1 percent of individuals, symptoms can be more severe, including coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
West Nile virus is typically spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. View California Surveillance and Facts About West Nile Virus.
West Nile virus is a virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It is closely related to the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis. West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals.
The annual assessment pays for vector control services provided in your community. These services include surveillance for diseases and control of insects and animals that can cause human illness.
San Bernardino County Code states that “‘Vector’ means any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury, including, but not limited to, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, mites, and rats, but not including any domesticated animal.”