West Nile awareness prevents outbreaks

Summer Brings Fun, Warm Weather and Mosquitoes

Summer is just around the corner, and people are enjoying the outdoors. If you've seen a mosquito buzzing around, then you've probably tried to strike it before it bites you.

The common backyard mosquito is a troublemaker and a potential carrier of the West Nile Virus and other infectious diseases. While most mosquitoes are simply an annoyance, avoiding their bites is a key to preventing illness.

"DSHS also recommends that you:

Drain standing water from around your home. Empty cans, buckets, tires, rain gutters, tree holes and saucers under potted plants frequently. Change the water in pet bowls, bird baths and wading pools several times a week. It only takes a thimble of water for mosquitoes to breed.

Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors between dusk and dawn. That's the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Dress appropriately when outside in mosquito-infested areas. Cover as much skin as possible to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and use a recommended repellent on exposed skin. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spray clothes with repellent containing either DEET or permethrin for extra protection. Studies show that permethrin sprayed on clothing lasts through several washings.

Symptoms usually appear from three to 14 days after a person is bitten. Most people infected with the virus will have no symptoms at all. About 20 percent will develop the mild form of the illness. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and drowsiness. About one of 150 people infected with the virus will develop the more severe form of the illness with symptoms that include intense headache, high fever, nausea, stiff neck, muscle tenderness, shivering and neurological issues. Extremely severe cases may require an extended period for recovery and can be deadly.

"Those who are over 50 years old are at the greatest risk of developing the more serious forms of the illness.