August 16th

By Mutt Mulligan

West Nile Virus Cases Skyrocket Despite Drought – Tips for Protecting Your Family

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) just announced that 693 people have contracted West Nile virus so far this year. That’s the highest number of cases since the virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999. More than 80 percent of the cases have been reported from six states – Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and California. West Nile virus has caused 26 deaths.

All of this despite the record-setting drought happening in much of the country. Why? Experts say the drought has wiped out a huge portion of mosquitoes that were born during the wetter springtime months. But, there’s another breed of mosquito that thrives in stagnant water that collects in containers like gutters, birdbaths and pools. Believe it or not, it only takes one tablespoon of water in these containers to breed 100 mosquitoes!

So how do you protect your family?

• Do a thorough inspection of your yard, looking for any places where water may collect. Clean up bird baths, buckets, containers, gutters, old tires – anywhere that mosquitoes might breed.
• Be aware of peak mosquito times – the bugs are most active at dusk and dawn.
• If possible wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when going outside.
• Finally, apply an insect repellant to exposed skin.  DEET is most effective, but there are alternatives.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, chills and body aches, which many people mistake for other ailments. For more information on the threat of West Nile virus in your area visit your local state health department website.