According to the Washington, DC Department of Health, the West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in three neighbourhoods of the District of Columbia, but by keeping mosquito populations under control, the virus can be prevented from coming to Maryland. The virus has been detected in Virginia (Henrico County) though not in Maryland, as yet.
A seasonal epidemic, the viral outbreak begins in the summer, lasting well into the fall. The virus can be transmitted to birds and humans, particularly the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, by mosquitoes who are infected.
The virus which spreads when bitten by an infected mosquito, with symptoms appearing withing 3 to 14 days, however, it cannot be transmitted from person to person.
The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using DEET containing insect repellant, as the best way to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, including getting rid of all standing water inside and outside the house, which mosquitoes can use as breeding sites, as follows:
· All flower pots, buckets and barrels must be emptied of standing water.
· Water in pet dishes must be changed daily and weekly for bird baths.
· Holes should be drilled in tire swings to allow water to drain out.
· Children’s wading pools should be emptied when not in use.
According to the CDC, around one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus develop a severe illness, exhibiting symptoms of a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, coma, tremors, vision loss and paralysis, which can last for weeks. Around 20% of those who become infected experience milder symptoms lasting for just a few days, while the remaining 80% do not exhibit any symptoms at all.
Since, there is no cure for the virus, no medical treatment can be sought, though severe symptoms and complications from the illness may require hospital care and intravenous fluids.
Any complaints about standing water call be reported by calling the Prince George’s County Health Department at 301-883-7879.
No comments:
Post a Comment