The Four Ds and FAQs About West Nile Virus and Mosquitos from the CDC
Always Remember the 4 Ds: Drain, Dress, Dusk and Dawn, and Deet.
What Is West Nile Virus?West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?
What Else Should I Know?If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after they log your report.
Get Your Flu Vaccination Flu season peaks in late January and early February. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to wash hands often, limit contact with others while sick, and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent flu germs from spreading. For a listing of flu vaccination sites near you, visit www.flu.gov. These are not Sacramento County vaccination clinics; be sure to call ahead to confirm the vaccination site near you is distributing the flu vaccine.
The Gift of Emotional Health Over the Holidays
Sacramento County Mental Health Project Aims to Stop StigmaLook around you – at work, at church, at the grocery store, in the park, during your next family gathering. Someone you know is probably living with mental illness right now and you do not even know about it. Why? Because the shame and discrimination that surrounds mental illness can keep people from speaking out or seeking help.Emergency Medical Services Policies, Procedures and Protocols
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)Serves aged, blind, or disabled persons who are unable to perform activities of daily living and cannot remain safely in their own homes without help.
County Medically Indigent Services Program (CMISP)Provides health care to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for healthcare programs such as Medi-Cal, Medicare or private health insurance.
Ordering Certified Copies of Birth & DeathVital Records can assist you in obtaining a birth or death certificate.
Adult Protective ServicesMaintains the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults who are victims of abuse or neglect.
Clinic ServicesProvides primary health care services to medically indigent adults and eligible adults.
AdoptionsSacramento County is a state licensed adoption agency. The children available are dependents of juvenile court.
Report Child AbuseIn an immediate emergency please call 9-1-1.
Report Senior or Dependent Adult AbuseIn an immediate emergency please call 9-1-1.
How to File a Complaint
CHDP Medi-Cal Provider List and Related Information
Child Protective Services Relative NotificationIf you are related to a child you believe to have been removed from his/her parent/guardian, you could be of help to the child and parent/guardian.
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