West Nile Virus -
Portland Area CHRs spread the word about mosquito danger

SLAP! It’s mosquito season again. CHRs can’t stop mosquitoes, but we can educate our communities about a potentially dangerous condition mosquitoes carry--West Nile Virus.

CHRs in Ft. Hall, Idaho recently hosted a West Nile Workshop for about 150 area residents. Attendees learned the facts about West Nile, and how they can protect themselves and their families. With all the summer activities coming up, perhaps your community would benefit from an informational event like theirs.

If your CHR program is interested in spreading the word about West Nile Virus, the first thing you need to do is educate yourselves. Below are some of the basics. If you’d like to learn more, check out the Center For Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

West Nile Basics

• West Nile Virus started in Africa and first appeared in the U.S. in New York.
• It is typically found in summer and fall.
• The virus is carried by the female mosquito. In her 2 week to 2 month lifespan a female mosquito can lay up to 1500 eggs.
• Eggs are laid in free standing water, something as small as a bottle cap can be considered a breeding area.
• Each mosquito has a two to three city block travel distance.
• West Nile Virus may result in flu-like symptoms for some, and in more rare cases can cause severe illness and even death.

Protect Yourself

Cover skin with light colored clothing, use insect repellant with Deet™, keep weeds and grasses mowed. Remove items that can hold water, such as bird baths, tin cans, old tires or buckets.

These precautions should be followed whenever you are outdoors, but especially at dawn, dusk and early evening hours. Even if your community sprays for mosquitoes you can still be exposed to the virus.