West Nile Virus
West Nile virus has been established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that rises in summer continues into the fall. West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV occurs about 3-14 days after a person has been bitten. People who have been infected with West Nile virus can develop serious and potentially fatal disease that requires hospitalization.
Use bug repellent with the Environmental Protection Agency has approved active ingredients.
Approximately 80 percent of people infected with WNV have no symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent of infected people have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes or vomiting . These symptoms usually last 3-6 days, but may continue for several weeks. Severe WNV cases are rare and occur in only 1 out of 150 people infected, the symptoms may include stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, disorientation, stupor, tremors, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.
- Use bug repellents with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the active ingredients. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil normally provide a longer duration of protection.
- Wear clothes that cover your skin as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks whenever outdoors
- Empty all standing water daily. including water buckets, cans, pool covers, and water dishes for pets. Mosquitoes are more attracted and lay their eggs in standing water.
- Mosquitoes can bite at any time, but the hours between sunset and sunrise have activity above mosquitoes.
- Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
general care to treat any mosquito bite is to wash the area with water and soap as soon as possible. This can help reduce the reaction. An ice pack may help reduce swelling, and an over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching. If you scratch mosquito bites, you might break your skin, which can lead to a bacterial infection in your skin. Instead of scratching, try applying a hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion.
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, the infection can pass on its own. In more severe cases, medical attention is needed, which may include intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV to prevent transmission to their offspring. For more information about this virus, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov
Sources :. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes for Health, LifeWork Strategies EAP, Adventist Behavioral Health, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.
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