With the recent cases of West Nile in Tucson, we thought the following would be of interest. Since firefighters are out at night when the culex mosquito is active, your staff might want to review the latest info on West Nile on website below.

West Nile infections:

• 80% minimal symptoms
• 20% flu-like, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion
• Symptoms occur in 2-14 days
• 1/150 suffer from convulsions, coma
• Elderly more likely to get severe case

Prevention: Follow the 6 Ds:

• 1. Deterrence - fix window and door screens
• 2. Avoid dusk to dawn (culex mosquito is a nite-biter) if possible during the summer (Not an option for public safety staff)
• 3. Disinfect standing water such as ponds with mosquito dunks, available at hardware stores and plant nurseries.
• 4. Drain standing water every 2 weeks so mosquito eggs don't hatch
• 5. Duds: wear long sleeves, pants
• 6. DEET: spray on skin and clothes, never use on children less than 2 months old, use no stronger than 10% on children 2 months to 2 yrs old.