West Nile virus has been detected in a record number of mosquitoes in the New York City area, with at least two cases being found in humans. If you weren’t for the last major panic of West Nile nearly 20 years ago, you might be wondering what this disease is and whether you should be worried about it.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes, and it can infect some other animals, including birds and horses, in addition to people. Most people who contract the virus will have no symptoms. About 20% will have fever and flu-like symptoms, but in rare cases — one in every 150 people, the CDC estimates — the virus can cause more severe, neurological symptoms.
In those more severe cases, the brain or its membranes may become inflamed. Symptoms may include stiffness in the neck, confusion, weakness, convulsions, numbness, vision loss, or paralysis. One in 10 people with severe disease from West Nile can die.
Where is the West Nile an issue?
The virus and the mosquitoes that carry it are present throughout the continental United States. Based on historical data the region with the highest number of cases is in the western part of the country, and is most common region Which runs from North Dakota to Colorado.
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Why is this happening now?
West Nile first made headlines in the early 2000s, but it never really took off. New York City health department told Mosquitoes breed more rapidly as temperatures rise, which likely contributes to the increased spread of the disease. The weather in the southwestern US has also been wetter than usualWhich is good news for mosquitoes and bad news for us.
While New York’s findings are still under discussion, they are not the only cases in West Nile. California, for example, has There were already 12 human cases this year,
What should I do?
Like any mosquito-borne illness, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid being bitten. a good bug spray Including DEET or another EPA-registered insecticide (such as picaridin) is prominent. You can keep mosquitoes away from your home by using window screens, wearing long sleeves and long pants where possible, and using a fan to keep mosquitoes away when you’re chilling on the porch. can protect.
mosquito control In general a good idea too. Mosquitoes breed in puddles of standing water, so if you have any buckets, vases, bird baths, pits, or other places where water collects, consider dumping and cleaning them regularly, or Treat with larvicide (which kills aquatic baby mosquitoes) if they cannot be dumped.
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)