Daisy. Thank you. A warning was issued tonight by the Springdale Health Department after a mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus. Health officials say the tests were done in late June in the Glenview area. That’s Springdale. West Nile Virus usually causes mild flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases can cause brain swelling and paralysis. The Springdale Health Department is reminding everyone to clear away standing water, buckets and basins, cover exposed skin or use insect repellent when outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and
Springdale health officials announce West Nile virus detected in mosquito population
The Springdale Health Department announced that it recently collected a mosquito that tested positive for West Nile Virus. The department said the mosquito was collected from the southwest quarter of the community. Health officials said that West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a West Nile Virus-positive mosquito, but in most cases, the person bitten will either not experience symptoms or will have a very mild reaction (flu-like symptoms). In rare cases, the West Nile Virus can cause more severe illness, such as paralysis, brain swelling, coma, or, in rare cases, death, officials said. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems due to pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer or high blood pressure, are at higher risk of developing severe West Nile Virus symptoms. To protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus, Springdale Health officials suggest the following: Drain any sources of standing water, such as buckets, tires, and bird baths Use mosquito repellent for any water bodies that cannot be immediately drained Mosquito repellent dunks are available at the Springdale Health Department office. Take measures to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home (e.g., repair window screens, keep doors closed); Use an EPA-certified insect repellent and reapply as directed; Cover exposed skin whenever possible; Use a tent with screens if camping or sleeping outdoors; Dress children with clothing that covers their arms and legs, weather permitting; Use mosquito netting over strollers or baby carriers; Do not use insect repellent on babies under 2 months of age; Spray repellent on children’s hands first, never directly on their face; For more information and support, visit the Springdale Health Department website.
The Springdale Health Department said it recently collected a mosquito that tested positive for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes were collected from the southwestern part of the region, the department said.
Health officials say WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of a positive mosquito, but in most cases those bitten either show no symptoms or only a slight reaction (like flu).
In rare cases, officials say WNV can cause more serious illness, including paralysis, brain swelling, coma and, in rare cases, death.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems due to pre-existing conditions such as cancer or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing severe WNV symptoms.
To protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, Springdale health officials recommend the following:
- Drain standing water from buckets, tires, bird baths, etc.
- Spraying mosquito repellents in water bodies that cannot be quickly drained
- Mosquito repellent dunks are available at the Springdale Health Department
- Take measures to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home (e.g., repairing window screens, keeping doors closed)
- Use an EPA approved insect repellent and reapply as directed.
- Cover exposed skin as much as possible
- If you are camping or sleeping outdoors, use a tent with a screen
- If weather permits, dress your child in clothing that covers their arms and legs
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
- Do not use repellents on babies under 2 months of age
- Do not apply insect repellent directly to your child’s face; spray it on their hands first.
For more information and support, visit the Springdale Health Department website.
