Is West Nile Virus Back on The Rise?

Is West Nile Virus Back on The Rise?

west nile virus

The Latest on West Nile Virus

The Zika Virus has been a top concern in the U.S. when it comes to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Consequently, concerns of transmitting West Nile Virus have somewhat faded away in recent years. However, West Nile may be on the rise again with multiple cases showing up in 2017. States across the U.S., from Florida and Georgia to California and even Washington, have recently confirmed cases of West Nile Virus. Physicians in upstate New York have also confirmed a case of West Nile this month, which is an extremely rare event in this northern territory. With the rise of West Nile in the U.S., you should be conscious of symptoms and how you can protect yourself and your family from this disease.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus

Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile are spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 70-80% of people who are infected do not develop any symptoms. Those who do, develop a fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as headache, joint pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people recover completely but can have lingering fatigue and weakness that lasts for months. In rare cases, some people develop serious neurological conditions, such as meningitis or encephalitis, which involves swelling of the brain tissue. Symptoms of these illnesses include headache and high fever, as well as neck stiffness, disorientation and seizures.

Take Necessary Precautions

Many high-risk cities continue to monitor cases of mosquito-borne illnesses and take action to reduce the number of mosquitoes that are found in the area. However, it is important that families and individuals take additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Here’s how you can prevent mosquito bites and decrease the number of mosquitoes around your home:

  • Empty and clean bird baths and outdoor pet bowls a few times a week
  • Drain water from garbage cans after a heavy rain
  • Ensure gutters are kept clean and free of debris to prevent the accumulation of water
  • Remove old tires, buckets, flower pots and other items from your yard you aren’t using that collect water
  • Repair broken and ripped screens on your home to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, especially in areas prone to mosquitoes, such as wooded areas and near bodies of water
  • Use mosquito netting when camping

Keep Your Insect Repellent On-Hand This Fall

Even though summer has officially come to an end, many states are experiencing warmer than usual temperatures this fall, which means mosquitoes can still remain active and pose a threat to people across the U.S. The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to use an insect repellent that contains DEET, such as NET effect. NET effect is a roll-on insect repellent that provides satisfactory protection from mosquitoes without the unpleasant experience that can come from spray-on repellents. NET effect smells better, feels better and is safer than other repellents. Protect yourself from West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses by purchasing NET effect today.