West Nile Virus: Still a Cause for Concern

With all of the recent cases of the Swine Flu all around the world, West Nile Virus has been put on the back burner. We are all seeming to forget the dangers of this flu-like illness. The fact is that cases of West Nile Virus are still emerging and tests of mosquitoes are still showing that they are carrying the virus.

According to the CDC , as of August 25, 2009, 123 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported around the United States. Of those reported cases, 65 resulted in meningitis or encephalitis, 56 resulted in fever, 2 cases were unspecified, and there have been 4 fatalities. Of the four deaths due to West Nile Virus, 2 were in Mississippi, one was in New Mexico, and one was in Texas. In my own community, I have heard that every mosquito that has been tested this year has been carrying the virus.

Although the number of reported West Nile cases is quite small in comparison to the number of reported swine Flu cases, the fact is that West Nile Virus is still something we all need to be aware of and take precautions to prevent contracting.

Many people feel that there is little that they can do to avoid contracting West Nile Virus; this is not true at all. The CDC has stated that by using a mosquito repellant with DEET when you are outside and being sure to spray all exposed skin as well as clothing is one way to help prevent being bitten by a disease carrying mosquito. Being aware to the specific hours when mosquito activity is higher; normally from dusk until dawn, and paying attention to protecting yourself and your family, or simply staying indoors at these times is another way to prevent being bitten. Around your own home , you can help to prevent the disease by making sure there is no standing water in or around your yard. Standing water is a prime place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. You should also be sure that your screens are in good condition to help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Children are not the ones who are at highest risk for contracting West Nile Virus. In fact, the majority of West Nile Virus deaths have been people who were over the age of 50, and half of those were people older than 77. So, the truth is that the elderly population is at a higher risk of having more serious complications including death from West Nile Virus. Although children are at a lower risk, it is still wise to keep them protected.

West Nile Virus effects people who are healthy and active, especially those people who enjoy the outdoors a lot. It is not an illness that only takes its toll on those who already have health problems. The best thing anyone can do is to protect themselves whenever going outdoors.

Many people are afraid that using products with DEET will harm them. According to the CDC, products with DEET have been tested for both long-term and short-term effects. The products have proven to be safe when used properly. Products contain different amounts of DEET and the recommendation is that the longer you need protection, the higher percentage of DEET you want in the product you use.

Many places have a program in place to help control the mosquito population. This is helpful, but it doesn't mean that a person doesn't need to protect themselves. No matter how hard any community tries, they will not be able to kill every mosquito in the area and all it takes it getting bit by one mosquito that is carrying West Nile Virus to contract the illness.

Even with constant and precise preventative measures, it is possible that a person may still end up with West Nile Virus. A person can have West Nile Virus and never know it. It is estimated that as many as 80% of people who do get West Nile Virus never show any symptoms at all. According to the CDC up to 20% of those infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, or maybe a rash on their chest, stomach, and/or back. These symptoms may only last a few days, but they may linger on for several weeks. Approximately 1 out of every 150 people who become infected will suffer serious symptoms. These unfortunate few can gave a high fever, headaches, stiffness in their neck, seem to be in a state of stupor, become disoriented, have tremors, convulsions, weakness in their muscles, loss of vision, numbness, paralysis, or even slip into a coma. These symptoms can stick around for several weeks, cause long-lasting neurological effects, and even cause death.

We all know that West Nile Virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes; but there are other ways the virus can be transmitted that many people may not know of. It can also be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even from a mother to her infant through breast feeding or while pregnant. It is rare for a person to contract West Nile Virus in any of these ways, but it has been known to happen in a small number of cases.

If you have been bitten by a mosquito and within 3 to 14 days after being bitten you begin to have any symptoms, you may want to visit your doctor. Milder cases tend to run their course and go away on their own, however; more serious cases need medical attention immediately.

West Nile Virus may not be as evident as it once was, but it is still something we all need to take preventative measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones from. Although the number of reported cases is relatively low, there are still cases being reported to the CDC. This means that the Virus has not been eradicated and it should still be a concern for all of us.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.cdc.gov