West Nile Virus

by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan

Summer is over, but warm weather still exists enough to make mosquitoes a problem. As long as the weather is warm, you are reminded to clean your yard of any standing water in old tires, pet water bowls, bird baths, clogged gutters and other water-collecting objects you may have to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs. It is important to continue to check your yard weekly and empty any containers that you find containing water.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. Horses and other mammals can also become infected by a bite from an infected mosquito. West Nile Virus is not transmitted through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person infected with the virus.

Now that the mosquitoes have hatched and are in your neighborhoods, campgrounds and other areas around you, it is time to take a few precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Avoid areas known to harbor mosquitoes, such as shaded and wooded areas.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.

Avoid outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellents and always follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully, especially when using on children.

Keep window and door screening in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Cover infants’ strollers and playpens with mosquito netting when outdoors.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not have any symptoms. Some people may exhibit mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle weakness and body aches. Skin rash and swollen glands may also occur. More severe cases will exhibit a high fever, headache, stiff neck. Always consult a doctor if any of these symptoms occur for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Source: http://www.oakgov.com/news/Documents/fs_west_nile_virus.pdf

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over… all the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)