Most Common Questions |
| |
West Nile Virus |
|
Smallpox |
|
Meningitis |
|
Hepatitis B |
|
Hepatitis C |
|
HIV/AIDS |
|
Chickenpox |
|
| |
WEST NILE VIRUS |
What is West Nile Virus? |
West Nile Virus is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. The virus is transmitted when mosquitoes feed on an infected bird. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus when biting a human. |
Back to Top |
| |
There is a dead bird in my yard. Can I pick it up and should someone come out and pick it up for testing? |
If you wear gloves and put it in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and then wash your hands, it should be safe to pick up the bird. It is generally not transmitted from the bird directly to a human. Place the bird outside in a cool spot and call the Health Department. The bird must be tested within 24 hours of its death, so if it is a weekend or the bird is stiff, it will not be picked up and you may place the bird in the plastic bag in the trash. |
Back to Top |
| |
SMALLPOX |
When will the Smallpox vaccine be available to the public? |
It is estimated that the vaccine will be available to the public possibly sometime in 2004 when a new, safer vaccine should be available |
Back to Top |
| |
If previously vaccinated against Smallpox, should I be vaccinated again? |
Immunity appears to last about 5-10 years. If you were vaccinated long ago, you will need another vaccination. |
Back to Top |
| |
MENINGITIS |
What is Bacterial Meningitis and how is it spread? |
Inflammation of the lining of the brain and spine caused by a bacterial infection. It is spread by direct contact with saliva and droplets from nose and mouth such as kissing, drinking from a glass the infected person has used, coughing, sneezing, and sharing cigarettes. |
Back to Top |
| |
What are the signs and symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis? |
Sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and sometimes a rash. Disease progresses rapidly and patient is very sick. |
Back to Top |
| |
HEPATITIS B |
What is Hepatitis B and how is it spread? |
All Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which is spread by either sexual contact or blood to blood contact |
Back to Top |
| |
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B |
Loss of appetite, vague abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, occasionally fever. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that the person does not know he/she has hepatitis. |
Back to Top |
| |
Who is at risk for Hepatitis? |
Anyone who has unprotected sexual contact or possible blood to blood exposure. |
Back to Top |
| |
What are the prevention measures? |
Getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B, using condoms, not sharing needles for injecting drugs, body piercing, or tattoo equipment. |
Back to Top |
| |
HEPATITIS C |
What is Hepatitis C and how is it spread? |
All Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus which is spread by blood to blood contact and rarely by sexual contact |
Back to Top |
| |
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C? |
Loss of appetite, vague abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, occasionally fever. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that the person does not know he/she has hepatitis. |
Back to Top |
| |
Who is at risk for Hepatitis C? |
Anyone who has possible blood to blood exposure. IV drug users are at highest risk. |
Back to Top |
| |
What is the prevention measures for Hepatitis C? |
Not sharing needles for injecting drugs, body piercing, or tattoo equipment. Use condoms for sexual activity. |
Back to Top |
| |
HIV/AIDS |
How is HIV transmitted? |
Most commonly by sexual contact or blood to blood contact. You cannot get HIV from hugging, touching or handling objects someone has used. |
Back to Top |
| |
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? |
AIDS is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) when the immune system breaks down and allows diseases that wouldn't normally cause illness to infect the person. When someone with HIV has one of those diseases we say that they have AIDS. |
Back to Top |
| |
What are the symptoms of HIV? |
Often none. You can have HIV infection and not know it. It can take 8-10 years before the immune system is so badly damaged that the diseases of AIDS cause symptoms. Those symptoms will vary depending on the disease. |
Back to Top |
| |
Who is at risk for HIV? |
Anyone who has possible blood to blood exposure or has sexual contact without using protection. IV drug users and persons with multiple partners are at highest risk. |
Back to Top |
| |
What is the prevention measures for HIV? |
Not sharing needles or tattoo equipment. Use condoms for sexual activity. Know your sexual partner and practice safer sex. There is no vaccine for HIV. If you suspect you may have been exposed, get an HIV test. |
Back to Top |
| |
I just moved here from out of town. Where can I receive services or get a name of a doctor who treats HIV? |
Contact the Bridge Worker at the Communicable Disease Division, (559) 445-3434. The Bridge Workers assists all individuals in Fresno County with HIV/AIDS in locating a primary care provider. The Bridge Worker will assist all individuals in locating a private provider. In addition, referrals for housing assistance, benefits counseling and other support services can be provided. |
Back to Top |
| |
Chickenpox |
Where do I need to go if I am pregnant and have been exposed to Chickenpox? |
You should call your Obstetrician/Medical Practitioner immediately. If you don't have a medical practitioner, you can go to the Emergency Room. If you had chickenpox as a child, you are less likely to get it again, but you should check with your doctor. |
Back to Top |
