What You Need To Know

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Putnam County Mosquitoes

What you need to know

* West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed in mosquitoes in Putnam County. * No human cases of WNV have been reported in Putnam County this year. * The Putnam County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. In severe cases, WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

There is no specific treatment for WNV, but supportive care can help to relieve symptoms. Most people who are infected with WNV will recover completely, but some people may experience long-term effects, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

To avoid mosquito bites, the Putnam County Health Department recommends the following:

* Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. * Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. * Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. * Make sure your windows and doors have screens. * Remove standing water from your property, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, and old tires.

If you think you may have WNV, see your doctor right away.

For more information about WNV, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html