West Nile Virus and What Can We Do About It

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Author: Raul Gallu

West Nile virus is an emerging infectious disease that made its first appearance in the United States in 1999. The microbe that causes the infection belongs to a group of disease-causing viruses known as flaviviruses, which are usually spread by ticks or mosquitoes.

People who contract West Nile virus usually experience only mild symptoms-fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. If West Nile virus enters the brain, however, it can cause life-threatening encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Most cases of disease occur in elderly people and those with impaired immune systems.

The first step in the transmission cycle of West Nile virus occurs when a mosquito bites an infected bird or other infected animal. Although the virus primarily cycles between mosquitoes and birds, infected female mosquitoes also can transmit West Nile virus through their bites to humans and other "incidental hosts" such as horses. With so many susceptible hosts to amplify the virus and so many types of mosquitoes to transmit it, West Nile virus has spread rapidly across the United States.

At the time being there is no vaccine or treatment for the West Nile Virus, but we can do something about the way it spreads. So here are a few tips about what we can do to help fight mosquitoes;

* Empty standing water in old tires, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where "wrigglers" and "tumblers" live.
* Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often.
* Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt.
* Keep swimming pools treated and circulating and rain gutters unclogged.
* Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
* Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
* If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
* Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
* Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.