DARLINGTON - With the arrival of flooding rains comes the arrival of the annoying mosquitoes. As you know, mosquitoes not only are annoying, but can arrive with hidden dangers!
West Nile Virus and Lacrosse Encephalitis again are a related concern. West Nile is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In nature, the disease cycles between birds and mosquitoes. The infection of humans, horses and other mammals are incidental and do not lead to the spread of the disease. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of all mosquitoes actually are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile Virus by feeding on infected birds. Crows, blue jays and ravens can be carriers of the virus.
Of those actually infected with the virus, an estimated 80 percent don't experience any symptoms of the disease. The other 20 percent likely will become mildly ill. The symptoms to look for in these mild cases can include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph nodes. About 1 in 150 people infected with the virus becomes seriously ill with West Nile encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. People at the greatest risk for severe illness are those over the age of 50. The indications for this more serious illness are a sudden high fever, neck stiffness, extreme muscle weakness, convulsions and disorientation. These symptoms can result in death in about 9 to 15 percent of cases. Those infected who recover will, however, become immune for the rest of their lives.
There is no vaccine or means of treatment for the disease in humans, but you can take some steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the disease. Some sound methods for preventing mosquito bites are:
• Limit outdoor activity during the peak hours for mosquito activity. These hours are around dusk and dawn.
• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves on shirts, pants, socks and shoes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET. When using repellents, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. For children 2-12, use a product with less than 10 percent DEET and apply the product to the child from your own hands like a lotion.
The most effective way to limit your exposure to the virus is to eliminate mosquito breeding habitat on your property and encourage neighbors to do the same. The recent flooding rains in Lafayette County this spring have caused perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as it is likely they will find many sources of stagnant water in which to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle. The best way to destroy breeding habitat is to eliminate these sources of standing water. Some items to focus on are: used tires, plastic wading pools, bird baths, roof gutters and other things that hold water for an extended period of time.
For more information, contact the Lafayette County Health Department at (608) 776-4895.
West Nile Virus and Lacrosse Encephalitis again are a related concern. West Nile is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In nature, the disease cycles between birds and mosquitoes. The infection of humans, horses and other mammals are incidental and do not lead to the spread of the disease. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of all mosquitoes actually are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile Virus by feeding on infected birds. Crows, blue jays and ravens can be carriers of the virus.
Of those actually infected with the virus, an estimated 80 percent don't experience any symptoms of the disease. The other 20 percent likely will become mildly ill. The symptoms to look for in these mild cases can include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph nodes. About 1 in 150 people infected with the virus becomes seriously ill with West Nile encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. People at the greatest risk for severe illness are those over the age of 50. The indications for this more serious illness are a sudden high fever, neck stiffness, extreme muscle weakness, convulsions and disorientation. These symptoms can result in death in about 9 to 15 percent of cases. Those infected who recover will, however, become immune for the rest of their lives.
There is no vaccine or means of treatment for the disease in humans, but you can take some steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the disease. Some sound methods for preventing mosquito bites are:
• Limit outdoor activity during the peak hours for mosquito activity. These hours are around dusk and dawn.
• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves on shirts, pants, socks and shoes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET. When using repellents, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. For children 2-12, use a product with less than 10 percent DEET and apply the product to the child from your own hands like a lotion.
The most effective way to limit your exposure to the virus is to eliminate mosquito breeding habitat on your property and encourage neighbors to do the same. The recent flooding rains in Lafayette County this spring have caused perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as it is likely they will find many sources of stagnant water in which to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle. The best way to destroy breeding habitat is to eliminate these sources of standing water. Some items to focus on are: used tires, plastic wading pools, bird baths, roof gutters and other things that hold water for an extended period of time.
For more information, contact the Lafayette County Health Department at (608) 776-4895.