Health officials say they’re convinced the year, 2012 will be the worst year for West Nile virus deaths and severe illnesses since the disease hit America’s shores in 1999.
As of September, it was reported 1,405 serious illnesses and 118 deaths have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the numbers will surpass the 2002 record of nearly 3,000 severe cases and 284 deaths.
Approximately one-in-five people who are infected with WNV are likely to develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than one percent, officials say, will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
A public health veterinarian, said residents should be on guard during the rainy summer season as mosquitoes that can spread these viruses to humans are commonly found in urban and suburban communities, as well as rural, freshwater swamp areas. They will breed readily in storm sewers, ditches, waste lagoons and artificial containers around houses.
“With many people enjoying outdoor activities, it is important that residents take every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. Keep your mosquito repellent with you at all times when you are working or participating in recreational activities outdoors.”
Dr. Susan Turner, Associate for the Escambia County (Fla.) Health Department said awareness is the key to prevention.
“A human case of West Nile Virus indicates a high risk of becoming infected with the virus,” Turner said. “It is especially important to protect yourself and those you love from mosquito bites right now.”
According to officials, when a person is infected, early recognition and prompt supportive treatment for these illnesses can substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease. About 10 percent of people who develop neurological infection due to WNV will die. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent the most common mosquito-borne diseases, such as WNV, is to avoid mosquito bites by following these recommendations:
· Use insect repellents when going outdoors.
· Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
· Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if available.
· Empty standing water from items outside homes, such as flowerpots, buckets and children’s pools.
No medications are available to treat, or vaccines available to prevent WNV infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care. Anyone who has symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.
Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. CDC recommends the use of repellents containing active ingredients which have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing. Products containing these active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection. These include the following:
· DEET
· Picaridin
· Oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD, the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus
· IR3535
Insect repellents must state any age restrictions. According to the label, oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under three years of age. Parents should choose the type and concentration of repellent to be used by taking into account the amount of time a child will be outdoors, exposure to mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area.
People should consult their health care provider for advice about using repellent products on children.
