Media Relations

The [NAME OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT] would like to request a segment to alert the community to West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the local area. If possible, we are also interested in a recurring segment, perhaps either tied with weather segments or news anchor follow-ups, to provide updates [if West Nile virus activity continues to increase / as the outbreak progresses / as mosquito season continues].

• The most recent surveillance event and what it means (e.g., detection of virus in local birds, Culex mosquitoes, or horses; human case or infected blood donor; high or significant increase in mosquito WNV positivity in Culex mosquitoes or birds; high, extremely high, or higher than average numbers of human disease cases or birds dying from WNV; reaching outbreak threshold)
• What people can do to reduce their risk of infection
• Who is at increased risk of severe illness
• What health officials are doing, including the health department and mosquito control agency

• Health Alert: West Nile virus detected in [AREA(s)]
• Outbreak: West Nile virus sickens # people in [AREA]
• Outbreak News:
  • West Nile virus detected in local birds
  • West Nile virus confirmed in local horses
  • First human case of West Nile virus confirmed
  • One person hospitalized after getting sick with West Nile virus
  • [#] more people confirmed sick with West Nile virus
• Summer is here, and so are mosquitoes
• Elevated risk for mosquito-borne illness this summer and fall
• Warmer weather brings more mosquitoes that can make you sick
• Mosquito Season: Prevent bites to protect against West Nile virus

• Pictures of b-roll of Culex species mosquitoes
• General pictures or b-roll of mosquitoes biting or flying
• Photos or b-roll of local mosquito habitats
• Insecticide spray truck
• People using personal protective behaviors, such as applying EPA-registered repellent; covering up with long, loose-fitting shirts and pants; checking the screens on windows and doors; applying permethrin to outdoor gear, etc.
• If granted permission, personal testimonial video clips or pictures from people who have had West Nile virus disease
• Current year data maps

First Person with Confirmed West Nile Virus in [AREA]

The [COUNTY/CITY] Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in [AREA] this year. A [ADULT/ADOLESCENT/CHILD] tested positive for the virus after becoming ill [GENERAL TIMING] and is [SHAREABLE DETAILS, e.g., is recovering from the infection, is hospitalized with severe illness].

WNV is spread by mosquitoes and can potentially lead to serious illness in people. Mosquitoes get the virus when they bite an infected bird. People and animals are infected when an infected mosquito bites them. Most cases of human illness are reported during summer and fall months when mosquitoes are more active.

[INSERT QUOTE, e.g., reflections on what this means for human health, risk for future cases or an outbreak, and why this news matters]

Last year, [INSERT HISTORICAL STATE CASE DATA].

Most people (80%) infected with WNV do not show symptoms and may never know they were infected. Some people (20%) may develop a fever with a headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. These symptoms usually occur within 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord); requires hospitalization; or results in death.

Anyone can develop mild or severe illness. However, risk of severe illness increases with age or if you have a chronic medical condition (such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease) or a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication.

There is no licensed vaccine to prevent or medicines to treat WNV disease. However, there are many steps people can take to help keep their families and communities safer and healthier.

[INSERT QUOTE, e.g., the value of health departments and mosquito control agencies, what they do, why it's important, and reinforcing personal protective behaviors to decrease risk of WNV]

Visit [HEALTH DEPARTMENT] website for more information on mosquito and WNV prevention: [URL].

West Nile Virus Outbreak in [LOCATION(S)]

There is currently an ongoing outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) in [LOCATION(S)]. As of [DATE], [NUMBER] people have gotten sick, including [HIGH-LEVEL, SHAREABLE OVERVIEW OF CASES].

The [MOSQUITO CONTROL AGENCY] plans to [INSERT MOSQUITO CONTROL ACTIVITY, e.g., conduct truck or aerial spraying]. This action will help decrease the numbers of mosquitoes that infected with WNV and that could spread the virus to more people in our community.

The risk of being infected with WNV is very high at this time. Prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants when outdoors.
• Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn.
• Use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning.

Most people (80%) who are infected will not develop symptoms and may never know they were infected with the virus. About 20% people will develop mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches. A small number of people (less than 1%) develop severe illness, which can include inflammation of the brain, tissues surrounding the brain, and spinal cord. Severe illness can include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis; require hospitalization; or result in death.

Anyone can develop mild or severe illness if they are infected with WNV. However, the risk of severe illness increases with age or if you have a chronic medical condition (such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease) or weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication.

The [HEALTH DEPARTMENT] urges clinicians to consider West Nile virus disease in patients with flu-like symptoms or unexplained neurological symptoms. Information on diagnostic testing is available on the CDC's website: Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for West Nile Virus Disease | West Nile Virus | CDC.

The [INSERT APPROPRIATE AGENCY] will provide updates on the WNV outbreak [INSERT GENERAL TIMING OF NEXT UPDATE AND CHANNEL(S) THAT WILL BE USED].

For additional information contact ______________ at _______________.

[Truck or Aerial] Spraying in [LOCATION] Scheduled for [DATE] to Reduce Number of Mosquitoes

[NAME OF MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT] has scheduled a [truck-based or aerial] spray operation for approximately [NUMBER OF ACRES] within [LOCATION] to help reduce the number of mosquitoes that could spread West Nile virus (WNV) to people. Weather permitting, the application will begin [DAY], [DATE] at approximately [TIME] and continue until about [TIME]. If weather does not permit the application to occur, the application will be made on [DAY, DATE].

[NAME OF INSECTICIDE] will be applied. [INSERT DETAILS ABOUT INSECITICIDE, e.g., how it works, how long it lasts, if it smells, whether it poses any health risks for people, animals, or other insects].

The spray operation is being conducted in response to increased risk of WNV spreading in our community. Spraying is necessary to decrease the number of mosquitoes infected with WNV that could spread the virus to humans and animals. The people conducting the application are specially trained to apply the product so that there is little to no risk of negative health impacts to people, animals, pollinators, or the surrounding environment.

[NAME OF AGENCY], a mosquito control company operating out of [CITY] will conduct the spray operation. [AGENCY] has extensive experience in conducting applications for mosquito control, having treated [EXAMPLES OF PAST WORK]. [AGENCY] is familiar with working in [STATE/COUNTY/CITY] and serves as the applicator for [MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT].

For aerial spraying only

[NAME OF AGENCY] will use a single-engine aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 300 feet to conduct the aerial application. The aircraft is equipped with an aerial spray guidance system specifically engineered for mosquito control operations. The plane receives real-time meteorological conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. This onboard equipment allows us to optimize the application within the intended treatment area, while minimizing drift outside the target zone.

For additional information contact ______________ at _______________.