HEARD THE BUZZ ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS?
Fresno County Department of Community Health has a brochure with information about what you can do to protect yourself and you family from West Nile Virus. You can print a copy of this brochure (8 ½" X 11") in both English and Spanish. Click here for English brochure Click here for Spanish brochure To receive full size brochure (8 ½" X 14") please contact our staff at (559) 445-3324
In response to the investigation of West Nile Virus, local mosquito and vector control agencies have intensified mosquito control activities. Individuals can further reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
Avoid activity outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants; long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellant according to label directions. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Many species of birds get infected and die from West Nile Virus. The public can assist the California Department of Health Services' (CDHS) extensive monitoring effort for the virus by reporting any crows, ravens, magpies, and jays that have been dead for less than 24hrs. CDHS has established a toll-free line for public reporting: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473)
Fresno County has set guidelines for the disposal of dead birds that are found. The guidelines can be found here: Guidelines for Dead Bird Disposal
Here are some links to view the birds most commonly affected by West Nile Virus: Crows, etc. Birds of Prey Finches Sparrows
For all medical personnel with suspected cases of West Nile Virus, please use the following forms. Adobe Reader is required to view or print. West Nile Virus Case History Form. This form is required for testing (specimens will not be tested without this form) West Nile Virus Specimen Form. This form lists the Diagnostic guidelines for West Nile Virus, instructions for sending a specimen to the Fresno County Public Health Laboratory, and specimen/patient identification information.
Here is a colorful slide presentation prepared by one of our Epidemiologists, Lyndon Badcoe PhD. This PowerPoint style presentation is can help answer many questions regarding West Nile Virus. Click Here to see the presentation
For questions about sentinel Chicken surveillance within the state of California, contact: Phone 510-540-2712 Email Arbovirus@dhs.ca.gov
For more information on West Nile Virus please visit these website
	CDC	Center for Disease Control - West Nile Virus page
	CDC Guidelines	Epidemic/Epizootic West Nile Virus in the United States: Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention and Control
	CDHS	California Department of Health Services - West Nile Virus page
	UC Davis Vector Control	California Vectorborne Disease Surveillance System (Arboviruses) Fresno County Environmental Health's page
To contact our office, please call (559) 445-3324 or use the, "Contact Us" option at the top of this page. Please address questions to the Communicable Disease Division.