Apanemia Health Centre

The way that suck blood, mosquitoes are excellent candidates for the prize at the world more annoying insect. While most mosquitoes are merely annoying, a small percentage can carry diseases like West Nile virus. In recent years, they found cases of West Nile virus in animals and humans in most parts of the United States.

West Nile virus is found more frequently in some parts of the world-Africa, West Asia and Middle East – but probably was first broadcast in the United States in 1999. The virus reaches humans through mosquitoes that probably became infected by feeding on animals carrying the virus.

The virus is not spread from person to person. Only spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although pets can also become infected with West Nile virus can not pass to humans.

Healthy people are less likely to develop severe illness by the West Nile virus, but is likely to run the same risk of contracting the virus than any other person bitten by a mosquito. If infected, many of them have few or no symptoms. A small number of people may experience symptoms similar to influenza (such as fever and body aches), but usually recovers quickly.

A small number of people infected with West Nile virus (usually elderly and those with immune system problems, such as HIV / AIDS or certain cancers) are at greater risk of developing a more severe form of infection , called encephalitis. Encephalitis is the medical term for the inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the brain.

Encephalitis is a serious infection that can cause long-term illness, brain damage and permanent disability, and in exceptional cases, even death. Generally, symptoms begin between three and fifteen days after a person has been infected. Severe infection leads to encephalitis which causes symptoms like these:

• High fever
• Very stiff neck and back (can not bend the neck)
• Severe headache
• Confusion or disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Convulsions or seizures

If you think you have symptoms of encephalitis, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you can make a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

The good news is that, even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to transmit the virus, it is highly unlikely that a person will contract the disease by the bite of a mosquito. Only 1% of mosquitoes from an area affected by West Nile virus are actually infected with the virus. And less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus develop severe illness.

Tips to protect yourself

Although mosquitoes are rarely more than a nuisance, it is always a good idea to protect yourself from these warm weather pests. This is especially important if you live in an area that has been detected West Nile virus. Take the following precautions:

• Do not stay near ponds or other accumulations of stagnant water such as storm drains or sinks, are a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Use an insect repellent that contains 10 to 30% DEET (NN-diethyl-meta-toluamide). For best results, read the instructions carefully and apply it.
• Limits the amount of time spent outdoors at dusk, dawn or at night when mosquitoes are most active. If you’re going to be outdoors, use long sleeved shirts and long pants to cover skin.
• If you find a dead bird, do not touch or try to move it. Tell your parents so they can contact the local health department immediately.