Release Date: April 2009

WEST NILE VIRUS

With summer just around the corner, you’ll most likely be spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes will be out more too. While most mosquito bites are just minor annoyances, educating yourself about the symptoms of West Nile Virus—often transmitted through mosquito bites—can help keep your summer worry free. In the free West Nile Virus fact sheet from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health and the Federal Citizen Information Center, you’ll learn symptoms of both West Nile Virus and the less-severe West Nile Virus fever. West Nile Virus fever symptoms include body aches, headache and skin rash. West Nile Virus symptoms are more serious and include muscle weakness, numbness and loss of vision. In rare situations, West Nile Virus can lead to permanent health problems or death. So it’s important to know the symptoms and get to your doctor right away if you’re experiencing them. Learn how to protect yourself from West Nile. To get your free copy, send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 562R, Pueblo, CO 81009. Or call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that’s 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 562R. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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• Please check with Jessica Milcetich if you plan to use this release after July 15, 2009.
• To receive New for Consumers releases by e-mail, send a request to rebecca.fulcher(at)gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

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