Hot Topic: Mosquito Season is Here
Spring showers might bring summer flowers but they can also bring an unwanted increase in the mosquito population. There's no question that mosquitoes are pesky, but they can also be dangerous. Mosquito bites can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), both of which can cause serious illness. That's why protecting yourself from mosquitoes throughout the summer is so important.
Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. Many people who become infected with WNV will have no symptoms, but severe cases can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and paralysis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 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.
EEE is the more serious mosquito-borne disease in the United States. While human infection is rare, about 30 percent of those who develop clinical symptoms of EEE will die, and another 30 percent will have neurological deficits. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), coma, and death.
Taking simple precautions against mosquito bites help protect you from both WNV and EEE.
Remember the 5Ds of prevention:
Dusk - Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus usually bite at dusk and dawn.
Dawn - Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
Dress - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
DEET - Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
Drain - Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
In addition, make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
Don't let mosquitoes take the fun out of this summer. Take precautions that can help protect you and your family.
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