West Nile Virus - Be Aware
September 2008

While we have seen a significant drop in the number of cases of the virus,West Nile Virus continues to be a concern in the United States and Southeast Michigan. August and September have proven to be peak months for cases of West Nile Virus. Your best defense is PRECAUTION. Try these prevention strategies:

• Reduce your outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity, April to October from dusk to dawn.
   

• Remove any standing, stagnant water, the breeding ground for mosquitoes, from around your home. Turn over buckets, toys, etc. that can fill with water. Clean your birdbaths and gutters frequently.
   

• If you are outside during peak mosquito time wear long sleeve shirts, pants and socks and spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellant that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-tolumide). Remember that it should be used only according to the manufacture’s directions.

Warning signs of infection can include fever, headache, body and joint aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and stiff neck and rash. Please click here for a printable brochure giving more information.

For additional information contact:
Wayne County Environmental Health Dept.
Hotline 734-727-7445
www.waynecounty.com

Charter Township of Plymouth
734-354-3270 ext. 4