The West Nile Virus is spreading across the United States like wildfire. August begins the season and late October ends the season for West Nile. Currently, 48 of 50 states have reported cases of this virus. With over 4,531 reports country-wide and over 183 deaths already this season, the 2012 outbreak is already competing with the 2006 outbreak where 9,862 cases were reported with 264 deaths by the end of the season. The current outbreak has the potential to be the worst outbreak in the country’s history.
The West Nile Virus originated in Africa and entered the United States in 1999. The virus spreads through mosquitoes biting humans. Once infected with this virus, a person may not experience symptoms for two weeks. Studies show that 80 percent of cases do not show symptoms, 19 percent will experience headaches, fever, nausea, and flu-like aches and pains, and less than one percent of cases experience convulsions, paralysis, brain damage and possible death. Most cases are mild and only few people experience extreme symptoms and lasting effects. However, those with high blood pressure, heart disease and the elderly are more prone to this virus and need to take extra precaution.
At this time, Georgia has reported 22 cases and three deaths. Fulton County has mapped out mosquito pools, specific areas where researchers test a group of mosquitoes for West Nile. Seven of these pools have tested positive. The Fulton County Environmental Health Services team has set 30 mosquito traps and continue check these traps regularly. The traps are located over 799 residences and businesses. Fulton County is supplying homeowners located near these traps with mosquito repellent and measures for remediation.
In Texas, the outbreak is so serious that planes are spraying mosquito pesticides over towns. During the treatment, residents in homes under the spray should close all windows, turn off the air conditioner, and stay inside. Fulton county started to spray for adult mosquitoes at the beginning of September, hoping to kill not only the eggs, but the adults as well.
Students and parents are more aware of this virus and need to take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Mosquitoes are most prevalent at dusk and dawn, so this is when citizens need to be most cautious. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that citizens wear long sleeves and pants, use bug spray, and to get rid of any standing water. Now that the weather is getting cooler, citizens are wearing long sleeved clothes to cover up and are less vulnerable.
It seems as though the season is almost over-- maybe we will make it out alive.
Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/latest-news/2888-fulton-notifies-citizens-of-seven-west-nile-virus-positive-mosquito-pools
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