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Looking at the latter question first, remember this is not like the flu which can infect a large number of people. It can be transmitted in other ways than mosquito bites, but this is much more rare. The disease, as its name implies, is a virus over which antibiotics have no impact. There are no current anti-virals which may dramatically help in combating the course of West Nile.
While you don’t want to be infected, it’s good to remember that eight out of ten who are infected never experience any symptoms. In other words, you don’t know you have it. Of those who do become ill, physicians say only one in 150 (some use the figure 180) will experience anything but mild flu-like symptoms.
This means your chances of never being affected by West Nile are extremely good. Yet you don’t want to take that chance, do you? The disease can’t be spread from human to human, so eliminating mosquitoes and their bites are your first line of defense.
By avoiding mosquitoes, you can reduce your chances of contracting West Nile Virus to almost nil. How do you do that?
1. Avoid areas where you know mosquitoes may be present. Okay, you say that sounds easy, but you don’t want to miss any family fun. Encourage those who give get-togethers to select a new venue. If that isn’t an option…
2. Use insect repellent. Make sure it contains DEET. Spray on after you dress. Don’t cover sprayed areas of skin with clothing. Be sure to spray on thin material. Mosquitoes can bite through thinner fabrics.
3. Don’t leave any open containers in your yard. Remember to invert empty flower pots, etc. Don’t hang old tires to use for a children’s swing. Even a small container of water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
4. Call your city to determine how often they spray for mosquitoes. In this area, TVA sprays some rural areas that are known breeding grounds. If you feel your city or county isn’t doing its part, contact your representatives and encourage them to allocate funds for spraying.
5. Mosquitoes seem to prefer females to males. They also prefer brunettes and anyone using hairspray. if you fall into those categories, take extra precautions.
6. If you’re entering a work area where aerosols aren’t allowed, you can purchase anti-insect wipes to keep your protection active.
If you should become ill within a few days of mosquito bite, be sure to visit your physician promptly. As stated earlier, there is no one current antidote for West Nile Virus, but medical care can lessen the symptoms.
Originally posted in Pen N Sword.
