Health and Human Services

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.

  1. Drain all free standing water. Mosquitos LOVE free standing water. The murkier the better. It is their favorite breeding ground. Check flower pots, bird baths, swimming pools, gutters, drain pipes. Drain or clean out anywhere water collects.
  2. Dress in long sleeves and long pants. Easier said than done in 100 degree Texas heat but the reality is mosquitos only bite skin they can reach. Maybe opt for longer shorts and wear socks and tennis shoes instead of sandals.
  3. Dusk (and Dawn) is the mosquitos’ favorite time of day so take extra precautions if the kids go outside during these times of the day.
  4. DEET. Use insect repellant. DEET has been tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can put DEET on skin and clothes, just be careful not to apply it under the clothes and avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. DEET can be used on children older than 2 months. Do not apply to hands or face. DEET concentrations vary from product to product from less than 10 to more than 30 percent. The higher the concentration the longer lasting the repellant. Skin so soft can also be used but it is not as effective as 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?

  • Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV 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. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
  • Milder Symptoms in Some People. 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. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
  • No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

How Does West Nile Virus Spread?

  • Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
  • Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
  • Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

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?

  • People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
  • Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

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 Stigma
Look 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 & Death
Vital Records can assist you in obtaining a birth or death certificate.

Adult Protective Services
Maintains the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults who are victims of abuse or neglect.

Clinic Services
Provides primary health care services to medically indigent adults and eligible adults.

Adoptions
Sacramento County is a state licensed adoption agency. The children available are dependents of juvenile court.

Report Child Abuse
In an immediate emergency please call 9-1-1.

Report Senior or Dependent Adult Abuse
In an immediate emergency please call 9-1-1.

How to File a Complaint

Ordering Certified Copies of Birth & Death
Vital Records can assist you in obtaining a birth or death certificate.

CHDP Medi-Cal Provider List and Related Information

Child Protective Services Relative Notification
If 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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