Preventing West Nile Virus During Summer

West Nile Virus is on its way, so it is extremely important to protect from mosquito bites to prevent the disease.

West Nile Virus is becoming more widespread in hotter weather posing serious health risk. The virus is mainly transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on birds and then transmit the virus to humans by biting them. This is why it is extremely important to take care of dead birds by calling 'Dead Bird Reporting Hotline'.

Most of tick bitten and infected people don't have any symptoms usually, but about 20% of them develop the disease from 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected insect. Common symptoms are 'fever, headache, and body aches'. Rarely occurring symptoms are 'muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma, and potentially death'.

Mosquitoes mainly breed around standing water where they lay their eggs. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that all pools, spas and other waters are clean. Pools need to be properly cleaned and left without water when not in use. Mosquitoes are also breeding around birdbaths and pet dishes, so these need to be cleaned regularly as well.

Damaged doors and windows need to be repaired and closed properly not to let mosquitoes in. People also need to spend less time outdoors, especially around water, when the mosquitoes are active. Using ointments and spray for preventing tick bytes is a very effective preventative measure.

Most of people bitten by insects don't pay attention on it and when they stat showing mild symptoms like fever and headache, they thinks they've just caught cold. Those bitten by mosquitoes must immediately contact health professionals and receive proper treatment to prevent West Nile Virus.