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MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) – Sheri Ord hopes to kill the mosquito responsible for fighting West Nile disease.
"A stupid mosquito," Sheri recently told the McCook Daily Gazette. "Little booger anyway."
Sheri does not know which mosquito was responsible for her West Nile fever, so she really does not know if she killed this mosquito in particular. She says, "I do not know what I knew, but I hope I hit him and killed him."
Everyone must be the mantra of summer: "Anti-mosquito spray for sunscreen."
"Sunscreen spray."
"Sunscreen spray."
Sunscreen to help prevent skin damage and cancer. An insect repellent against mosquito bites carrying West Nile virus.
McCook's Sheri Ord had no idea what battle she was going through when she was bitten by a mosquito in August of 2003. "I do not spend a lot of time outside," she said. "But I guess I was just outside at the wrong time."
The first symptoms of Sheri were fatigue, dizziness and rash. She went to the doctor, who thought it might be West Nile fever, but the detection of this virus was not systematic at that time, and normally the symptoms disappeared by themselves .
"The symptoms of West Nile are so similar to flu symptoms," said Sheri. "More people got it (West Nile) than realize it. Most do not get it as bad as me. "
After the onset of flu-like symptoms, Sheri's right leg started to hurt a lot and the pain worsened. The doctors performed an MRI and Sheri spent five days at the McCook Hospital. When she could no longer walk, she was transported to the Omaha Methodist Hospital.
Sheri was not aware of many things that were happening at the Omaha hospital because of the level of pain medications. "They tried to keep the pain in my legs under control, to prevent nerve damage," said Sheri.
When the pain finally subsided, Sheri underwent physical therapy in Omaha and continued when she returned home.
"I went home in a wheelchair," said Sheri. She continued her treatment three times a week for six months. "It helped a lot and I progressed as a walker and splinted on my right leg," she said.
Sixteen years later, Sheri still wears the corset on her right leg and, because of nerve damage, she still has a "foot drop" that affects her balance and the strength of her foot. The circulation in his foot is mediocre because of damaged nerves.
"West Nile is slowing you down, it's delaying you," said Sheri. "It's not as easy to do the things you did. I learned to hear well. "
Sheri said she still does not spend much time outdoors. She and her husband, Kevin, sit on the deck with coffee, but if the mosquitoes are bad, they move inside.
"I use the insect spray" Off "if I know I will stay outside for a long time," she said.
There is not much that Sheri could have done differently. There is a vaccination against West Nile for horses, but not for people, Sheri said.
Sixteen years ago, West Nile virus and fever were not the talk of the city; There was no great pressure to protect against mosquito bites. Sheri was then 50 years old, she was healthy, active and active. "It was nothing more than flu-like symptoms to start with being tired and uncomfortable," she said. "Most cases will not be as bad as mine," she said.
For the most part, at the time and even now, the fever does not progress as virulently as at Sheri.
"I'm so grateful to walk," said Sheri. "There are some who have been touched at the same time as me and are still in a wheelchair."
Sheri hopes to be immune to West Nile fever.
Health experts say that as with many other viruses, medical tests indicate that once infected with West Nile virus, a person develops a natural immunity against this virus and a future infection.
However, this immunity may decrease over time or with other health problems that compromise the immune system.
West Nile fever is an infection caused by the West Nile virus, which is usually transmitted by mosquitoes feeding on infected birds carrying the disease.
About 80% of those infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms and are unreported.
About 19% of those infected develop symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting or rash, and their severity can vary considerably. One percent of people develop encephalitis or meningitis, badociated with stiff neck, confusion and / or convulsions.
Recovery of people with severe symptoms can take weeks to months.
Symptoms usually occur 3 to 14 days after being bitten and most people recover fully. Sometimes, fatigue and weakness last for weeks or months.
Most of the West Nile human cases occur in late summer and in the fall; people over the age of 50 have the highest risk of serious illness. Protect babies, toddlers, and young children from bites and keep a close watch on those who have been bitten.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the most effective way to prevent West Nile disease is to prevent mosquito bites that transmit the virus captured by infected birds.
Especially this summer, flooded areas, heavily forested courtyards or any continuously wet habitat due to frequent and / or abundant rainfall are ideal habitat for a successful mosquito mating. The elimination of these areas can reduce the number of pesky creatures.
Restrict outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active: from early May to the first frost; and between twilight and dawn, but be aware that mosquitoes will sting at any time of day and night.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin, on the outside of clothing and any equipment worn.
Wear shoes (not sandals), socks that extend to the legs, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Keep doors and windows closed, especially at night.
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, a fan of the distribution center can help keep mosquitoes away from people because they fly badly.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Fever, so remember – Sun Screen Anti-Mosquito Spray. Sunscreen spray sunscreen. Sunscreen spray sunscreen.
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