CDC States West Nile Virus Transmission Has Already Begun for 2008

The Center for Disease Control states that they've already received reports of West Nile Virus for this season. So far in 2008, as of early April, human cases of West Nile have been reported in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arizona. Animal cases of west Nile have been reported in Alabama and California. This is just the beginning of mosquito season for many places and the number of cases will rise as warmer weather spreads across the nation.

West Nile is a serious infection transmitted by mosquitoes and affects humans and animals.
Not everyone who is exposed to West Nile will show symptoms, but for those who do these symptoms include stiff neck, fever, convulsions, visual disturbances and potentially permanent neurological damage. If the virus leads to meningitis or encephalitis, death is possible.

Horses and other animals are also at great risk for West Nile Virus. Animal owners should take measures to protect their pets. However, mosquito repellant designed for humans is not safe to use on most pets. Ask your veterinarian for what is suitable for your particular pet, be it horse, cat, dog, bunny or other animal.

Transmission of West Nile to humans occurs when a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and the West Nile virus enters the blood stream. Mosquitoes contract the virus from biting infected birds.

The best way to avoid contracting West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Repellent should be worn outdoors anytime mosquitoes are active. Mosquito repellent often must be applied every 4 to 6 hours.

Although West Nile is not always fatal and incidences of West Nile not as common as other serious transmittable diseases, it can be serious and precautions should be taken. There were 3623 West Nile virus cases and 127 West Nile related deaths reported to the CDC in 2007. Keep in mind that these are only the reported cases.

Doctors are required by law to report certain diseases, and West Nile is one of those reportable diseases. However, since many people suffer only mild symptoms, West Nile likely is under-reported. Long-term Ill effects from the virus are not fully known.

Source : Center For Diseases Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

By: Korey M.
Published: 04/18/08

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Bird Deterrent

@ 12:57 pm 04/21/08 by kathleen

Korey, thanks for pointing out in your article that West Nile not only infects people but animals. Because birds are the initial carriers of the disease, it is a good idea to use bird deterrents to limit the risk. Moreover, bird droppings contain 60 other potentially deadly diseases, so you really don't want too many of them around. There all kinds of humane and eco-friendly deterrents available. You might want to consider follow-up stories on that to keep people informed.

Bird-X

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@ 1:06 pm 04/21/08 by Korey M

Thanks Kathleen :)

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