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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of July 28, 2008)
West Nile Virus
by James L. Cummins

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is venturing outside as the days are long and warm. Along with this season comes the dreaded mosquitoes and with them, the possibility of contracting West Nile Virus.

A potentially serious, potentially life-threatening illness, the occurrence of West Nile Virus flares up in the summer and fall seasons. Those of us who prefer to spend as much time outdoors as possible, must cope with this threat. Therefore, it is important that you know what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones and what to look for to catch early symptoms of the virus.

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites. Be diligent in applying an EPA approved insect repellent when going outdoors, taking care to follow label directions. Also, since mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn – the same time as most fish and wildlife – take special care to apply repellent and if possible, wear long sleeves and pants during these times.

To keep mosquitoes out of your home, make sure you have properly-installed, well-fitted window screens. To lower the mosquito population in your yard, rid the area of standing water from flower pots, buckets and any other area where water stands unnecessarily. Take care to replace the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least weekly and wading pools should be empty and standing on its side when not in use.

After taking all these precautions, there is still a high probability that you will be bitten by a mosquito or two. Don't panic. About 80 percent of the people infected with West Nile will display no symptoms at all. Should symptoms appear, they typically develop between 2 and 15 days after being infected.

Around 20 percent of people infected with the virus will develop milder symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands as well as a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.

However, about 1 in 150 people infected are at higher risk of developing the more severe symptoms. These more severe symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis and even coma. While these symptoms can lead to death, they typically last several weeks with a small chance of permanent neurological effects.

Although there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, it is important that you seek medical attention if you suspect that you or a loved one has been infected.