subject: Are You Concerned About West Nile Virus And How To Prevent Mosquito Bites? [print this page] West Nile Virus is one of many diseases spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that can affect humans, domestic and wild animals. There are several preventative mosquito control measures you can take to protect yourself starting with eliminating breeding sources and killing mosquito larva on your own property.
Since 1999 more than 30,000 people in the U.S. have reported illness due to West Nile Virus. As of mid-September 2012, 2,636 human cases resulting in 118 deaths have been reported to CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the highest number reported since 2003. Experts believe West Nile Virus is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. However, in warmer areas mosquitoes can be a threat year around.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
West Nile Virus is NOT spread through casual contact between humans or even by touching an infected animal. The most common way the virus is spread is from a bite of an infected mosquito. In a very small number of cases, direct transmission can occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding or even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
What Are Some Symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Only 20% of people who have been infected will display symptoms. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illness. Severe symptoms that may last several weeks can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Approximately 4 out of 5 who are infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not.
What Can We Do?
Prevention & Protection Methods:
1)Mosquito control begins by killing larvae and reducing sources where mosquitoes breed. Mosquito larvae can exist in very little water, even wet leaves or in some species, eggs can hatch on the ground next to water. However the water must remain standing long enough for the larvae to complete their development, usually about a week. Any container that allows water to remain for periods of time is a potential breeding site for mosquitoes. Remove any sources of standing water check flower pots, buckets, pet dishes, bird baths, old tires, rain barrels, unused swimming or wading pools, and roof gutters. Larger bodies of standing water, such as sewage and industrial waste ponds, over irrigated yards and pastures, streams, ponds, and ditches, should be treated with a biological mosquito control that will not harm other animals using the water source.
2)Biological Mosquito Control: Some methods used for mosquito control can be harmful to human life or animal life. These methods are unnecessary when a very effective and more natural means is readily available. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) are bacteria which infect and kill mosquito larva. They are highly selective, attacking only mosquito larvae, gnats and black flies, and are totally harmless to pets, horses, livestock, wildlife, and people. Bacillus thuringiensis for mosquito control is used by thousands of farmers, gardeners, and home owners who are conscientious about the environment. Even a moderate dose has been shown to kill a mosquito population within 1 hour. Very affective and reasonably priced products that contain bacillus thuringiensis are mosquito dunks (donuts) and mosquito bits. In ponds, horse troughs, stagnant pools and virtually any water source that is not moving, you can place donuts or broadcast mosquito bits.
3)Nature Prevention Using Mosquito Repellent Plants: Several plant species are effective in repelling mosquitoes. A few varieties of mosquito repellent plants are Lantana camara, Rose-scented Monarda, Catnip, and some of the fragrant basils such as Holy or Lime Basil.
Prevent Mosquito Bites:
1)When outdoors, wear protective clothing to cover exposed skin.
2)Use repellents on yourself and pets that are considered safe, yet effective. There are many natural, deet-free products on the market, however you must read labels and follow directions for optimum efficacy.
3)Stay inside during most active hours.
4)Place screens on windows and doors.
West Nile Virus is one of many diseases caused by insect vectors. Mosquito control does not have to mean using extremely toxic methods. Biological pest control methods such as using Bacillus thuringiensis and being diligent by removing sources where mosquitoes can breed are necessary preventative measures that will help prevent spread of the West Nile Virus.
