West Nile Virus Continues to Spread

        Since its discovery in New York in 1999, this mosquito-borne disease has spread quickly throughout the U.S.  Many experts expect that the disease will soon become a threat from coast-to-coast.

        Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Infected mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals while biting them to take blood.  At this time the virus is injected into the host, where it multiples and may cause illness.  Humans and horses are especially vulnerable, but most mammals are at risk.

        In humans the onset of West Nile Virus is between 5 and 15 days after transmission by the mosquito.  The disease infects the brain, a condition called viral encephalitis, and the infection may range from mild to severe.  Severe cases generally begin with a rapid onset of high fever, as well as head and body aches.  Mild cases may exhibit elevated temperatures and headaches, or have no symptoms at all.  Those most susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.

        The species of mosquito that carries West Nile Virus hatches in stagnant pools or puddles that hold water for more than 4 days.  Ponds and pools that do not have moving water, cans left outside, old tires, plugged roof gutters, bird baths and bottles are just some of the places where mosquitoes breed.  Check for these sources, and others, on your property.  You can help eliminate these areas where mosquitoes can breed around your home and community by doing the following:

    -  Empty standing water from all tires, bottles, cans and children's pools that have not been renewed or

        disinfected for 14 days.

    -  Change bird bath water frequently.

    -  Install proper screening for open doors and windows in your home and maintain it.

    -  Minimize outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, as mosquito feeding is most active at that time.

    -  Wear clothing to cover exposed skin, and safely use insect repellants such as "DEET".

    -  Use dunks (BTI) as an additional, environmentally friendly, option, which eliminate mosquito larvae  

        before they hatch into adult mosquitoes.

        Dunks can be purchased at local garden stores, however, they are available to all Town of Greenfield residents, for use on their own property, at no cost.  Stop by Town Hall any weekday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to pick up free dunks with complete instructions for how to use them.

        "Fight the Bite" brochures and additional information may be obtained at:

                    Town of Greenfield                                West Nile Task Force

                    7 Wilton Road                                       Saratoga County Dept. of Health

                    Greenfield Center, NY  12833               31 Woodlawn Avenue

                    Phone:  518-893-7432                          Saratoga Springs, NY  12866

                    Fax:  518-893-2460                              Phone:  518-584-7460