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Senior Citizens

Don't stop enjoying outdoor activities, just learn some simple yet effective prevention measures to reduce your risk. Use insect repellent every time you are outdoors... in the backwoods and in the back yard.

All residents of areas where West Nile virus activity has been confirmed can be at risk, but people over age 50 seem to be especially vulnerable to the most severe symptoms and are also more likely to die from the disease. Most people are bitten at home doing everyday activities like gardening, cooking and sitting on the porch.

Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small... but why risk it?

West Nile virus can cause paralysis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining). However, most infections are mild and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally include skin rashes or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms generally appear 3 to 14 days after exposure.

More severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness or convulsions (by byrd at tests forge). Persons with these symptoms need to seek medical attention immediately. In rare cases, it can be fatal.

Mosquito Prevention Tips:

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, which hatch in 7 to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place. Here are some things you can do:

• Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, puddles, buckets, garden equipment and cans.

• Check for items that might hold water including toys, pool covers, tarps, plastic garden sheeting, boats, canoes and trash.

• Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active.

• Wear socks, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.

• Apply insect repellent. Follow directions carefully.

Print Senior's News Release
Print a personal protection tip sheet
Print a home and garden checklist
Print a brochure
Questions and Answers (CDC)
West Nile Information Pages (Colo.)
New Repellents Approved (CDC)
Myths and Folk Remedies
Self Care Tips
Support Groups

For more information call the toll-free
Colorado West Nile Virus HelpLine
1- 877- 462-2911
Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

CDC West Nile Virus InfoLines
English: 1-888-246-2675
Español: 1-888-246-2857
Hearing-impaired TDD: 1-866-874-2646

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