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OKLAHOMA CITY – The first cases of the West Nile Virus season have been reported in parts of Oklahoma.
A woman recounts her experience as a survivor of West Nile virus, not knowing that a bite would leave her hospitalized after several months of struggle for her life.
"It changed my life," said Erin Baxendale.
Erin Baxendale has lived the American dream – a loving mother and wife, a hairdressing business and many hobbies.
"I loved working in the yard," said Baxendale.
Bitter in September 2013, she woke up with a headache and a stiff neck.
By the end of the week, she could not stand.
"My husband was coming home from work and he found me unconscious in a towel on the couch," Baxendale said.
Unable to move, Baxendale was rushed to the hospital and immediately sent to the intensive care unit.
"In my mind, I thought we were in Fort Worth, Texas," said Baxendale. "I did not remember that we had a son. I did not remember it. J & # 39; hallucinating.
The doctors diagnosed him with West Nile virus, and this particular strain attacked his brain and spinal cord.
"It almost killed me," Baxendale said.
Six years later, the disease transmitted by a killer mosquito strikes the Oklahomans again.
In May, the Tulsa Department of Health announced that a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Tulsa County had tested positive for the virus.
At present, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has announced three cases in Tulsa, Grant and Canada counties.
Two mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have also been found in Oklahoma County.
Health experts say in News 4 that the number of humans and mosquitoes is likely to increase with temperature.
Many people with the disease experience symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness.
Some patients recover in a few weeks and others, like Baxendale, are offered a permanent reminder.
The 40-year-old woman can no longer use her right arm.
While raising a toddler and in his first years of marriage.
"My husband washed me, took me to the bathroom and helped me get up and get out of bed," Baxendale said.
The young mother says she has adapted to her new life as a survivor of the West Nile virus.
Happy to be alive, she hopes that this hatching season will be easy.
"People are walking around as if nothing had happened, it's not going to happen because you do not believe it, but when it does, it's ugly", said Baxendale.
Tips to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridine or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when you go out, especially between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are more likely to sting. The insect repellent with permethrin should be used only on clothing. Always follow the instructions when applying an insect repellent.
- Avoid spraying an insect repellent on children's hands, eyes, mouth or irritated skin. Adults should apply an insect repellent on their hands and then on the child's face.
- Products containing DEET may be used in children over 2 months of age.
- Protect babies by placing a mosquito net on baby carriers and strollers.
- Avoid outdoor activities when Culex mosquitoes are most active early in the morning and early evening.
- When time permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks on the outside.
- Repair or install mosquito nets to protect mosquitoes from the house.
- Prevent objects such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots, children's toys and tires from containing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to make sure they are not clogged.
- Repair faucets or leaking irrigation systems.
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