Baseball players should be concerned about West Nile virus

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is kicking off a West Nile Virus education campaign for little league baseball players through out the health district. Packets of educational materials will be delivered to 875 baseball players by the end of May. The packets include a West Nile activity booklet, a packet of Deet, a printed magnet with WNV precautions and a pencil.

"I'm overwhelmed by the response and willingness of ALL the area Little Leagues participating in this project. Bringing this awareness about West Nile Virus to the ballpark reminds everyone from players and coaches to spectators to protect themselves. And like the theme for the year Lets Hit West Nile Virus Outta the Park." states Shane Smith, Environmental Health Coordinator at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can vary, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

· Most people, approximately 80 percent or 4 out of 5 who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

· Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected, have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.

· A few people, about one in 150 people will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

To avoid mosquito bites, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

. Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus;

. Wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks;

. Avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and

. Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

"It is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes." States Myra Stoney, Director at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department. "The West Nile Virus is not limited to the locations which have positive tested pools of mosquitoes."

More information on West Nile Virus may be found at http://www.swhealthdept.com/health.htm

You may also call the McCook office at 308-345-4223 or Imperial office at 308-882-4269 for more information or educational materials.