Protect Your Family from West Nile Virus

To be so tiny, mosquitoes pack a pesky punch of irritation when they arrive at our outdoor gatherings. Not only are they irritating, they are a cause of concern considering they can transmit the West Nile virus. No longer just an inevitable aggravation to summer, mosquito control is a serious issue.

West Nile encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The mosquitoes become infected after biting wild birds, the most common host for the virus. Once infected, mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans and animals.

Most individuals who are bitten by an infected mosquito experience no symptoms; however, fever, headache, body ache, mild skin rash or swollen lymph glands lasting from a few days to several weeks may occur. In rare cases severe illness does occur accompanied by headache, high fever, stiff neck, weak muscles, convulsions, disorientation and coma. Very few people who become infected actually develop a serious case of encephalitis; however, those most at risk of developing encephalitis are over age 50.

To date, there is no immunization, treatment or cure for West Nile encephalitis, but the symptoms and the complications of the infection can be treated.

The key to successful prevention lies in controlling the mosquito population. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle. Modifying or eliminating breeding sites is the only long-term solution to severe mosquito problems.

Avoid being outside early in the morning, at dusk and the early evening when mosquitoes are most active. If you are out at these times, be sure your arms and legs are well-covered with clothing. Make sure doors, windows and screens fit properly with no holes or gaps where mosquitoes can enter.

Insect repellent can help prevent mosquito bites. Effective repellents are those with 10 to 35% DEET. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, repellents used on children should contain no more than 10% DEET. Select lotion, aerosol spray or cream and apply it to exposed skin. Repeated use of repellents over a short period of time is not recommended, especially for pregnant women and children. When using aerosol, spray exposed skin lightly and completely. Be careful not to saturate. For the face, spray your hands first then rub hands together and apply repellent to the facial skin. Never apply spray directly to children’s skin. Spray on your hands, rub together and then apply to your child. Once the repellent has been applied, wipe or wash your hands thoroughly.

Use candles containing oil of citronella to repel mosquitoes from areas surrounding decks and picnic tables. These products are most effective when there is little air movement to disperse the chemical too quickly. Do not splash water on lighted citronella candles.
For more information visit:

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension, www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/
  Urban/westnile.htm
• Center for Disease Control and Preven- tion, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/west- nile/index.htm
• National Pesticide Information Center, www.npic.orst.edu