Backcountry Emergencies
West Nile Virus
This page presents some basic information on West Nile Virus and how it relates to hikers, backpackers, and campers in canyon country.
Caution: Medical and other health related information found on this page is intended as basic information and should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation by the visitor. Please do further research and speak to a licensed physician prior to using any of this medical advice.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a serious, even fatal, illness. It can affect people, horses, certain types of birds, and other animals. In 1999, WNV first appeared in the United States in New York City. Since that time, it has spread rapidly throughout the country.
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious illness. WNV is almost always spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds that carry the virus. WNV is not spread by direct contact with infected people or animals.
- There is no vaccine for people. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquitoes.
- The risk of getting WNV is very low, but anyone can become infected. People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of serious illness.
Symptoms
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become ill, although some (1 in 5) may experience a mild fever, headache, and body aches. Less than one percent of those people infected with WNV (1 in 150) will suffer serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain or paralysis. In severe cases, WNV infection can even lead to death, so it is important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Protect Yourself
West Nile Virus can infect anyone, but it can be more serious for people who are over the age of 50. You can protect yourself and your family from harmful mosquito bites by taking precautions.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed clothing or skin, following the instructions on the product label.
- For the safety of children between the ages of 2 and 12 years of age, use a repellent containing less than 10 percent DEET.
- Ask your doctor or pediatrician about using repellent on children under the age of 2.
- Mosquitoes can bite anytime, but are generally more active at dawn and dusk, so be extra careful at these times.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Outdoor recreational opportunities are one of the benefits of living in the West. Taking part in camping, hiking, or backpacking is part of our lifestyle. Many campsites and trails are located near water, which is a breeding site for mosquitoes. This increases your chance of being bitten. Take precautions by wearing protective clothing and using repellents.
Report Dead Birds
Dead magpies, ravens, crows, jays, and raptors are frequently an early warning sign that mosquitoes carrying WNV are present in the area. These birds are very susceptible to WNV infection.
You can help monitor WNV by reporting these dead birds to your District Health Department or local Fish and Game office. If testing of a dead bird is required, you may be asked to place the bird in a double-wrapped plastic bag. Always wear latex or rubber gloves when handling any dead animal.
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