Skip to main content

All About the West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus is a common mosquito borne disease throughout the United States. It has been found throughout the continental United States and is not just contained to one region or area. It affects birds, and often the birds will die once they become infected.  This is one of the signs that the West Nile virus is active in the area.


How Does the West Nile Virus Affect People?


According to the CDC, most people do not have any symptoms when they contract the West Nile virus. However about twenty percent of people who catch it end up with a fever. They may have additional symptoms include achy joints, a headache, nausea and vomiting or a rash. About 1 in 150 of people end up developing more serious complications that can cause meningitis and encephalitis.


What Is the Treatment Plan for West Nile Virus?


Currently there is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus. Instead, medical professionals will manage the symptoms. They will need to closely monitor the patient if they develop meningitis or encephalitis. They will work to mitigate the symptoms and to prevent further complications from the disease.


How is the West Nile Virus Spread?


The West Nile virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes. A person who handles a bird that has died from West Nile virus is not likely to contract the disease. However, there is the possibility of contracting it if you eat an infected bird. You need to be bitten by a mosquito that is carrying it. However, it can be passed in other ways as well. A human can contract the West Nile virus through a blood transfusion, organ transplant, or through lab exposure. A mother can pass it do her child during pregnancy, childbirth or by nursing.


Do I Need to Worry About the West Nile Virus?


The West Nile Virus is prevalent throughout the United States. However, it does not have a negative impact on the majority of people who contract it. If you are exhibiting symptoms of the West Nile virus, especially the more serious ones you should contact your medical provider immediately. They can help you deal with the symptoms and monitor you. There is currently no vaccination to prevent contracting the disease.


How Can I Prevent Myself or My Family Members from Contracting the West Nile Virus?


The best way to avoid contracting the West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. One way to do this is to use an effective bug repellent. DEET is the most effective insect repellent on the market. It is important to use this anytime that you are exposed to mosquitoes. If you do not want to worry about using mosquito repellent every time you go into your yard, you should consider getting professional mosquito control treatments. These can virtually eliminate all of the mosquitoes in your yard and allow you and your family to enjoy it without worrying about mosquitoes. Contact Mosquito Tek today to learn more about the different options available.

For more information about mosquito control: https://virginia-beach.mosquitofreeliving.com/services/mosquito-control/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can Tick Bites Really Cause an Allergy to Meat?

In the past few years there have been increasing reports of people developing allergies to meat after being bitten by a tick. This is formerly called an Alpha Gel allergy. Researchers in Virginia were among the first to discover it through clinical trials for a medication. Some patients were having a reaction to one component in the medication and would have similar allergic reactions to red meat or meat from mammals. Some people even have reactions to dairy products. What Tick Causes the Allergic Reaction? The Lone Star tick is the only tick that is currently known to spread the allergy to meat. The ticks are common in areas with high deer populations, since the Lone Star tick prefers to feed on the deer. You can identify a tick by looking at its back for a white dot in the center. If you find a tick attached to you, you will need to remove it right away, and then watch for symptoms. How Can I Tell if I Have an Allergy to Meat? The symptoms for the meat allergy will build over time....
Post a Comment
Read more

Will the East Asian Tick Spread to the Arlington Area This Year?

The East Asian tick has made the news in the last few days because it is a new tick species that was identified as being in the United States this year. It was first identified last fall, but efforts were made to eradicate it. Unfortunately, scientists have determined that those efforts did not work, and the species has been established in New Jersey. Why Are People Concerned About the East Asian Tick? It is an extremely invasive species that originated in Asia. When it first spread to Australia it causes significant problems for farmers there. The ticks are often found around farms animals, but they can also be found on large animals like deer. The East Asian tick does carry the SFTS virus, which is a new virus that was first discovered in 2009. It has potential for serious complications and scientists worry about a potential outbreak. How Does the East Asian Tick Spread? The experts are not sure how the East Asian tick made its way to the United States. However, once it is...
Post a Comment
Read more

1st Annual Ridiculous Sale

18% off Full Season, new and existing customers sign up and prepay before Jan 31st and receive 18% off regular price, may not be combined with other offers, 21-Day Program only. Limited Time Only! Limited Number Available!! Call us Today to Save Now!
Post a Comment
Read more