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West Nile Virus

  • Published
  • By Airman Maegan Mears
  • 20th Aeromedical Squadron
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As warmer temperatures arrive, mosquitoes, a natural host of the West Nile Virus, re-emerge and bring with them an increased risk of human infection.

Experts believe the WNV is a seasonal epidemic in North America, flaring up in the summer and continuing into the fall.

Mosquitoes pick up the virus when they bite an infected bird. The mosquito then bites an animal or human, and passes the virus on through the bite.

Eighty percent of people infected with mosquito-borne viruses show no symptoms or signs of illness. Those who do develop symptoms will begin showing them 3 to 14 days after being bitten.

Common symptoms of the viral fever syndrome include: fever, headache and malaise. These symptoms last from 2 to 7 days.
In rare cases (one in 150) the virus can cause a more serious brain infection such as aseptic meningitis or encephalitis.

These cases begin with a sudden onset of high fever and a headache, and then may progress to stiff neck, disorientation, tremors and coma. Severe infections can result in permanent brain damage or death.
However, most fatalities are people 50 years or older.

There is no specific treatment for the WNV infection. Mild symptoms such as fever and aches usually pass on their own. In more severe cases, people may need supportive treatment from a medical facility.

For most people, the risk is low. Few mosquitoes actually carry the WNV, and fewer people who are bitten by an infected mosquito develop any symptoms of the disease.

Prevention and awareness are crucial in reducing the disease in the population.

· Avoid Mosquito Bites: 
  - Wear long sleeve shirts, pants and socks sprayed with insect repellent while outdoors.
  - Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
  - Spray insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. Adults and children more than 2 months of age can use preparations containing up to 35 percent DEET. Don't put repellent on children's hands because it may get in their mouth or eyes. 

· Mosquito-proof your home:
  - Install and/or maintain window and door screens at all times.
  - Check for and drain any standing water on a weekly basis. A small amount of standing water is enough for an effective breeding and egg-laying place for thousands or millions of mosquitoes.
  - Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots and other items.
  - Throw away or cover up stored tires and other items that aren't being used. 
  - Clean pet water bowls weekly.
  - Check if rain gutters are clogged.
  - If you store water outside or have a well, make sure it's covered up.
  - Encourage your neighbors to do the same. 

· Dead Birds:
  - Do not handle any injured/dead birds. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body.

If you would like additional information please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov or contact the Shaw Public Health office at 895-6193.