What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), has been detected in the United States every year since 1999, making it relatively new to the U.S. It causes Flu-like symptoms, swelling of the brain and even death. The disease was found only in Africa, the middle east and west Asia until 1999 when it was first detected in the U.S., when, it is speculated, an infected mosquito or bird carrying the disease entered the U.S. on an airplane.
Insecticide resistance and increased global travel, among other things have caused this and other insect carrying diseases, over the past three decades to increase. Global warming has also been cited as a factor in the outbreak. West Nile encephalitis most often occurs in the late summer or early fall, especially in southern climates where temperatures are milder, but other areas have also become more susceptible due to the greenhouse effect.
Culex mosquitoes are the species most often found carrying the disease. Long, hot, dry spells are required for breeding and as more cities become warmer, these mosquitoes have the potential to breed in new areas, causing the disease to spread even further. In addition, milder winters are allowing mosquitoes to survive longer through each season.
Who is affected by the West Nile Virus?
Victims affected by the disease are humans, horses, dogs, cats, mosquitoes, birds, and other mammals. Those with weaker immune systems are susceptible to the virus. The elderly and young children are most likely to fall victim to the disease.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle weakness, body aches, and flu-like symptoms. Those with West Nile fever experience the symptoms above as well as skin rashes on the torso and swollen lymph glands and West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which includes the above symptoms and neck stiffness, disorientation and confusion, tremors, coma, convulsions, and paralysis. The symptoms can disappear in a few days, or several weeks, and may even result in long-term neurological effects or even death.
The risk of severe disease is higher for people 50 and over and those who are very young.
How can I keep my family safe from West Nile Virus?
Prevention of the spread of West Nile Virus is based on controlling the mosquito population!!
Avoid standing water in your yard where mosquitoes can breed, use insect repellant containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) while outdoors, Check to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program, dead birds in an area may mean that West Nile virus is circulating between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. Over 110 species are known to have been infected with West Nile virus. Although birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with WNV can die or become ill, most infected birds survive. Report dead birds to state and local health departments, and, as recommended by the Governor of South Carolina, get screens or repair all broken screens in your home.
If you need screens call Screens Plus for all your screening needs.
