Umatilla County

Public Health
West Nile Virus Information

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Locations

Pendleton
200 SE. Third St.
541-278-5432
TTY 800-735-2900

Hermiston
435 E. Newport St.
541-567-3113

What iis West Nile Virus (WNV)

WNV is a virus carried by birds that if transmitted to humans may cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Surveys have indicated that 80% of individuals infected with WNV do not have any signs or symptoms.

What are Signs and Symptoms of WNV?

Febrile illness (high temperature), with sudden onset. This is often accompanied by weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, headache, muscle tenderness, rash, and swelling of the lymph nodes. (These are the more common signs and symptoms, other very rare signs and symptoms are more severe. Severe Signs and Symptoms may mimic those of meningitis.) Such as severe or unusual Headaches.

How does someone become infected with WNV?

Different species of birds carry the virus. The most commonly effected family of birds is Corvids (crows, jay, magpies, and ravens). Mosquitoes feed on infected birds, then bite humans transmitting the virus. WNV is NOT spread from casual person to person contact (kissing, hugging, touching, etc.)

How long is the incubation period?

Usually 3-14 days.

How do I know if I have WNV?

If your doctor sees signs and symptoms consistent with WNV he/she will order a specific serum lab confirmatory test collected within 4-14 days of illness onset. Your doctor may collect Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) within 8 days of onset to test for the virus.

What is the treatment for WNV?

Treatment is supportive, often involving hospitalization, IV fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections for patients with severe disease. There is not a human vaccine or specific medical treatment for WNV.

How can I prevent the spread of WNV?

  • At least once or twice a week empty areas of standing water around your house. Clean and replace water. (ie. Birdbaths, swimming pools and swimming pool covers, pets water dishes, buckets, cans, etc.)
  • Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out
  • Apply insect repellent (that contains DEET) to exposed skin.
  • Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
  • Try to stay indoors as much as possible at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. These are peak mosquito biting times.
  • Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot fly indoors.
  • Remember to protect your horses and have them vaccinated for WNV.
  • Please Note: Vitamin B, Citronella and “ultrasonic” devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites!

What do I do if I find a dead bird?

  • We will test the bird if it has not been dead greater than 24 hours. *Do NOT touch the bird without wearing gloves.
  • Invert a plastic bag over the bird to pick it up, and then seal it. Place the package in a second plastic bag and seal it again. (may come to the health department to pick up plastic bags).
  • Bring the bags into the health department with information about the bird (how you found it, how long you think it has been dead, what kind of bird it was, etc.)
  • The Health Department may ship it to OSU’s testing lab, or our local West End Vector Control District will test the birds also.

** Remember the best way to stop the spread of West Nile Virus is to protect yourself, your children, and your animals from mosquito bites!!

For Addition information you can
E-mail us at health@co.umatilla.or.us
Or call us at: Pendleton: 541-278-5432

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