Spring is Here!

Warmer weather brings back flowers, birds, and disease-carrying insects such as ticks and mosquitos.  Protect yourself and your family in the outdoors this year.

West Nile Virus

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.  The virus is spread most often by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, and can then spread WNV to humans and other animals that they bite.  West Nile virus can cause serious symptoms in some people, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, and may require hospitalization on the advice of a medical professional.

When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing an EPA-registered insect repellent, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.  Wear long sleeves and pants, and make sure you have good screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos out of your home.  Empty standing water from flower pots, buckets, and barrels to reduce areas for insect breeding.  Change the water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly.  Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out, and keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

Note:  If you find a dead bird, don't handle the body with your bare hands, as the bird may be infected with WNV.  Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the bird.

 

Tick Time

Diseases spread by ticks in Montana include Colorado tick fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  If you have a tick bite, remember to:

(1) grab hold of the tick as close to the skin as possible (a tweezers or forceps are handy), and pull slowly,

(2) disinfect the bite area with alcohol, and

(3) be on the lookout for signs of illness, and follow up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment if needed.

Rabies and Animal Bites

Rabies among wildlife — especially raccoons, skunks, and bats — has become more prevalent since the 1950s, accounting for >85% of all reported cases of animal rabies every year since 1976.  Although rabies among humans is rare in the United States, if you think you have been exposed from an animal bite or from touching a dead animal, you should ask your doctor if antibiotic treatment is recommended.

For more information, visit the Medical Library at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, your physician, or the Flathead County Health Department.  Much of this information was obtained from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

This material presented by the KRMC Infection Prevention & Control Department/Quality Management Services.

Other Topics: Hand Hygiene • Flu Vaccine • Home Medications • Disaster Preparation