West Nile Virus - symptoms and prevention

I thought that I would share the following information from a mail out that I received from a government source pertaining to West Nile Virus as we should know that this epidemic is of growing concern around the world.With every bite you are playing the odds, as we may know that not all mosquitoes will carry West Nile virus. However, one in five people bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill with West Nile fever.

West Nile Virus Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Rash
  • Swollen glands

Symptoms vary, but the headache associated with West Nile fever can keep people from work or play for an extended period.

West Nile Neurological Syndrome

A small number of those who become ill can develop the more serious West Nile neurological syndrome.

West Nile neurological syndrome symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Paralysis
  • Serious long-term consequences
  • Severe headache
  • Coma
  • Neck stiffness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Death (in rare cases)

The risk of developing the neurological syndrome increases with age, and in the presence of other medical conditions. If you develop severe symptoms, see a physician immediately as West Nile neurological syndrome can require hospitalization.

Fight the bite with simple, common-sense steps:

Don't let mosquitoes bite.

  1. Use a mosquito repellent with DEET. Apply to clothing and any exposed skin.
  2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are the most active.
  3. Cover infant carriers with mosquito netting when outdoors.

Avoid Infection

The only way to avoid infection is to avoid mosquito bites!

Take the recommended precautions and don't get bit.

Keep mosquitoes out of the house.

  • Repair or install window and door screens, and keep doors closed.
  • Screen other openings like the cold air return.
  • Consider a screened enclosure for eating or sitting outdoors.

Mosquitoes don't travel far. Stop them from hatching near your home.

  • Reduce standing water in you yard - birdbaths, wading pools, ponds and buckets should be drained twice a week.
  • Clean debris out of eavestroughs to prevent clogs.
  • Cover rain barrels with a screened lid and seal joints on downspouts to keep the water mosquito free.
  • Avoid excessive lawn watering. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in the smallest of puddles.

For more information on West Nile virus, and how it can affect people and animals, and how to avoid it, visit AVOID IT

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