Clapway: West Nile Virus

Thursday, September 17, 2015

There have been 18 confirmed cases of the #WestNileVirus in 2015; the first death by the virus was recently reported in #LosAngeles County. Here are precautions to take to protect yourself from #mosquitoes. - http://clapway.com/2015/09/17/west-nile-virus-death-la123/

There have been 18 confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus in 2015; the first death by the virus was recently reported in Los Angeles County.

The infected San Gabriel Valley man, whose name was withheld by the county Department of Public Health, had pre-existing health conditions, but was hospitalized in late August due to the virus.

First West Nile Virus Death Confirmed

Long Beach is also confirmed to have its first case of human West Nile virus infection; names and identifying details were also withheld. During 2014, 218 West Nile virus infections were reported in LA County, the second highest number since 2004. Of the 218 people infected, 180 were hospitalized and seven died.

Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, LA County’s interim health officer, declares that mosquitoes are the primary pathway for the West Nile virus to spread and infect humans; transmission has also noticeably increased. As such, he has advised the residents of LA County to take extra precaution to fight against mosquitoes.

Here Are Some Helpful Tips To Fight Against Mosquitoes:

Hot climates and drought conditions make for great mosquito breeding environments. Staying away from mosquito-rich areas is key in order to keep this virus, and other infections, at bay.

Moreover, getting rid of pools of stagnant water, and emptying out or washing any birdbaths and wading pools is highly recommended. Residents should also cover up as much as possible when outdoors and make use of insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Doors and windows that have tight-fitting screens should be utilized to keep out mosquitoes.

Protect Yourself; You May Not Present Symptoms

Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and mild skin rashes, but the virus can be contracted by a person and not display any symptoms. In fact, in 80% of the cases reported, the individual was never physically ill. Extra precaution, as such, should be exercised by the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, since the virus may lead to more serious diseases or inflections, such as brain inflammation and paralysis.

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First West Nile Virus Death Confirmed in LA

Saturday, July 11, 2015

A case of mosquitos with #WestNile Virus hits #Illinois - http://clapway.com/2015/07/11/west-nile-virus-found-in-illinois-mosquitos-224/

A batch of mosquitoes were collected in Will County Illinois this past Thursday, July 9th for testing. Results came back that they tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to the Will County Health Department, this is the first time this virus has showed up this year, and it’s significantly earlier than usual. The West Nile virus normally shows up around late August.

What is West Nile Virus?

It is a virus that is carried by certain mosquitoes that can be transmitted to humans through bites. Vic Reato, the spokesperson for Will County’s Health Department, most people don’t show any symptoms at all. For the 20% that do, however, symptoms may include headaches, body aches or fevers. The virus also has the possibility to cause meningitis, encephalitis, or death in very rare cases.

Why is the virus early?

Experts aren’t quite sure at the moment. Reato believes that it could be due to a difference in season for the area, but that is just a guess. Even still people do not need to worry about catching West Nile Virus, as it is unlikely, and even if they do, they most likely won’t show symptoms.

The excess of rain could be a factor as to why the virus has showed up earlier, though it’s not definite. Reato states that the heavy rainfall doesn’t mean that more mosquitoes will have the virus, though it does mean, due to mosquito breeding habits, there will be more mosquitoes about.

Could I get the virus?

As was stated, it is very unlikely. Last year in Illinois, 27 batches of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus, and yet there were only 44 reported cases in people. As long as one takes proper care to prevent against mosquito bites, everything should be fine. Wearing long sleeves and pants in combination with using insect repellant will greatly decrease one’s chances of getting the virus.

It should be noted that mosquitoes pick up the West Nile virus from birds, so the procedure if a bird is found dead in this area is to call the health department to let them know!

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West Nile Virus Found in Illinois Mosquitos