West Nile Detected Again -- How You Can Protect Your Family

Protect Your Family from West Nile Virus with These Tips

By The Survivors Club Staff
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Photo Credit: Tracy Fowler/iStock

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August 25, 2010

The Salt Lake Tribune. Although the cases are much milder than expected this year, 183 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus in the state, and 30 people in the U.S. have died from West Nile this year.

144 cases of West Nile have been reported across the States in 2010, and 74 of those cases were neuro-invasive reports the CDC. A neuro-invasive virus affects the nervous system, and can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord), and acute flaccid paralysis (inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause a sudden onset of weakness in the limbs and/or breathing muscles). These conditions can be fatal.

The remaining 70 cases this year were primarily West Nile fever, which has flu-like symptoms. Approximately 80% of people who contract the virus will have either mild illness or no symptoms says the Arizona Department of Health Services. The remaining 20% will develop flu-like symptoms that can persist for weeks. Elderly people are most at risk.

To greatly reduce your family's chances of contracting west Nile virus, the CDC recommends following these precautions:
  • Using mosquito repellent
  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs
  • Install or repair window and door screens
  • Support community-based mosquito control programs
  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so empty or manage clogged roof gutters, ditches, untended swimming pools or any other still water source near your home.

Symptoms for West Nile usually arise 3 to 14 days after getting bit, and even being outside for a short period of time is enough to get bitten. It only takes one bite for you or your family member to become infected with the virus. If you think you or someone in your family has West Nile, go to the hospital immediately.

West Nile Virus survivor Donnie Manry, a former police officer, contracted the West Nile virus in July of 2006. According to KBTX.com, recovering, Manry is devoted to spreading awareness of the virus by speaking "at numerous civic groups, church groups over the years about the West Nile and what to expect and what to be aware of."

Manry's message is simple: take precautions. As an example, he has installed a misting system that sprays mosquito repellent around his family's home, he told KBTX.

For more information and to keep up-to-date with West Nile please access CDC West Nile Virus.

Have more questions? This CDC Q&A on West Nile addresses many common questions.

To help prevent this life-threatening virus from spreading. Please visit the American Mosquito Control Association website for more support and information.

To learn about other mosquito borne viruses that could affect you and your family, go to CDC: Mosquito Borne Viruses.
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