Three West Nile Cases Confirmed In Houston County
Celeste Smith
Story Created:
Oct 12, 2012 at 12:59 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 12, 2012 at 6:49 PM EDT
The NorthCentral Health District says three people in Houston County tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
NorthCentral Health District Public Information Officer Jennifer Jones tells WGXA, the North Central Health District received reports of three confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Houston County.
Jones says the reported cases were in a 10 year old male, a 65 year old male and a 70 year old female, who were each hospitalized due to their illness.
The North Central Health District is urging residents to observe the Five Ds of West Nile Virus Prevention.
1. Dusk: Mosquitoes carrying WNV usually bite at dusk and dawn
2. Dawn: Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
3. Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
4. DEET: Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
5. Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Jones says symptoms of West Nile Virus include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.
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