By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal
West Nile
virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected
mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause
febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis
(inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
Most people
who get West Nile virus are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on
infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can
then spread the virus to humans and other animals.
Typically
people get infected with West Nile virus from June through September.
West Nile
virus disease cases have been reported from all 48 lower states. The only states that have not reported cases
are Alaska and Hawaii. The weather,
numbers of birds that maintain the virus, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the
virus and human behavior are all factors that an influence when and where
outbreaks occur.
Avoiding
exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to avoid getting West Nile virus. The CDC also recommends doing the following
to reduce your risk of mosquito bites:
- Use repellents with Deet, Picardin, IR3535 oroil of lemon eucalyptus
- Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, utters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths on a regular basis.
Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.
PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
Manhattan, KS 66505
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