West Nile Concerns Grow

The County’s Department of Environmental Health indicates that seniors need to be ever vigilant in their precautions to avoid mosquito bites for the next couple of months. Older adults are more susceptible to the effects of West Nile virus, which can include encephalitis, meningitis, and even death.

Birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading West Nile virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, then transmit the virus to humans and other animals. There is no vaccine to prevent the virus in humans.

Seniors and others should avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most prevalent. When outdoors, wear insect repellent containing D EET, Picaridin or oil oflemon eucapytus. Rid yards and interiors of standing water, such as plant saucers, bird baths, neglected pools.

West Nile Virus: What You Need To Know

 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CDC

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall

“We know that West Nile virus is more prevalent in the County now than it’s ever been before,” said Gary Erbeck, director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “Last year, we had a season total of 34 birds test positive for the virus. This year, just by the beginning of fall, we’ve already had a record 93 infected birds and the number continues to climb every week. It’s more important than ever that County residents take precautionary measures to avoid getting mosquito bites and acquiring the virus.”

What Are the Symptoms of WNV?

WNV affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.

• No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
• Mild Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms typically last a few days.
• Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent or with fatal consequences. No vaccine exists, but there are steps you can take to protect your family.

How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?

People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.

How Is WNV Infection Treated?

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with mild symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own. 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.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?

Mild WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization.

How Does It Spread?

WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus. Generally, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are WNV carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. So is very important if you find a dead bird , to don’t handle the body with your bare hands and immediately make a report to the County of San Diego Vector Control Program at 1-888-551-4636 for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body.

What Is the Risk of Catching WNV?

For most, risk is low. Less than 1 percent of people who are bitten by mosquitoes develop any symptoms of the disease and relatively few mosquitoes actually carry WNV. Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV., but pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.

Greater risk for those outdoors a lot.

People who spend a lot of time outdoors are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito. They should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. Children, people with illness and people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.