West Nile Virus Prevention Information - Fight the Bite
Risk Management Services and Facilities Management
With the warm weather comes the return of Tucson's mosquito season and Risk Management Services' reminder to the Campus Community to prevent West Nile Virus through Fight the Bite efforts.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito borne virus endemic in Arizona mosquitoes since 2003, with the mosquito season peaking from May through October. In Arizona during 2013, there were 60 confirmed or probable human WNV cases and 4 fatalities reported. Pima County had two confirmed or probable cases.
Facilities Management prevents mosquito breeding on campus by treating outdoor areas of standing water with a safe mosquito larvicide. We ask University building managers and occupants to also help fight the bite by taking the steps in the attached document.
West Nile Virus is Preventable
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Most people (4 out of 5) have no symptoms.
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Some people have mild symptoms that last a few days, such as fever, headache, tiredness, rash.
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A few people develop serious symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and/or disorientation, numbness and muscle weakness. Being 50+ years of age increases risk. Seek medical attention immediately.
Insect repellents work.
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Choose an effective repellent such as DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
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Permethrin is for use on clothes, bed nets and camping gear, not on skin.
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Read and follow instructions on label.
Prevent indoor mosquito breeding.
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Flush all plant saucers, lab sinks and floor drains twice per week.
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Keep all windows closed and report doors/windows that do not close properly.
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Dump all drinks in sink before trash disposal of cups and cans.
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Put a lid on garbage.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible. If you're outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear insect repellent, available at the UA Campus Health Pharmacy and other retailers.
Report standing water and mosquito concerns to your building manager or Facilities Management at 520-621-3000.
More information is available here [1].