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Mosquitoes
reporter for MML News
Sonora, CA – Environmental and Environmental Officers Public health alert residents that a human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Tuolumne County. Kostlivy shares that last Friday he received a notification of what he describes as an isolated case. The news triggered an investigation into where the patient might have been exposed and examined family members to determine whether or not they could pose a risk of exposure.
Eight out of ten people exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV) show no signs of illness during infection, according to Kostlivy. He adds that the remaining 20% may have a range of flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and / or swollen lymph nodes. Officials point out that about one percent of the population develops severe neurological symptoms related to encephalitis or meningitis, which are diseases caused by inflammation of the brain, membranes surrounding the brain and / or spinal cord. The signs are a high fever, serious headaches and stiffness of the neck; Other symptoms may include stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. However, Kostlivy points out that these cases are very rare and occur only in about one in 150 people who have active WNV in their body.
It should be noted that those with weakened immune systems and / or certain medical conditions (cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, organ transplant recipients) are also more likely to risk of developing serious symptoms and the disease with the over 60s being the most sensitive.
Use Three D & # 39; Protection
Humans can prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing what Kostlivy calls "the three Ds". Here are the basic guidelines:
1. DEET – Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaradine, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535 according to the label instructions. Repellents prevent mosquitoes from biting. DEET can be safely used in infants and children two months of age and older.
2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that transmit WNV bite early in the morning and in the evening. It is therefore important to wear appropriate clothing and repellents if you are outdoors during these times. Make sure that doors and windows have mosquito nets that are well adjusted to keep mosquitoes away. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on stagnant water. Eliminate or drain all sources of stagnant water around homes and properties, including buckets, old car tires, gutters, bird baths and pet bowls. If a swimming pool is not well maintained, please contact environmental health to report green pools
What spreads the virus
The main mosquito species responsible for the spread of WNV are Culex mosquitoes. Widely distributed in California, they feed on host birds – mosquitoes – as well as other animals and humans. Kostlivy says that mosquitoes feed on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans the next time they bite. Culex mosquitoes tend to bite in the morning and in the evening and do not spread Zika virus, dengue fever or chikungunya.
"In my other jurisdiction, I inspected a pond that had infected waterfowl [mallards]," he says. "The waterfowl has behaved in a strange way, they would swim in a circle three feet wide – only on one side.Some species of birds when they are infected produce large amounts of viruses, which can then be transmitted to other mosquitoes that sting them, maintaining a cycle of birds and mosquitoes.WNV infection has been reported in more than 225 species of birds.All infected people do not appear sick, but the infection can cause serious diseases and death in some people.The signs in birds can include lethargy, uncoordinated movements, and difficulty in breathing. "The most serious disease and rapid death are seen in corvids, which include crows, jays, crows and magpies." Tree squirrels with WNV may develop neurological symptoms such as uncoordinated movements, paralysis, tremors or circles. "He says.
"The public should be aware of birds that are lethargic, uncoordinated or behaving strangely," says Kostlivy. Too, he warns, "Horses can get sick from WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito. Clinical signs of WNV in horses may include stumbling, turning around the legs, weakness of the hind legs, inability to stand, drooping lips and snapping of the lips, hypersensitivity to touch or sound, muscle tremors and death.
Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends the incorporation of an anti-WNV vaccine into equine vaccination protocols, advising horse owners to consult a veterinarian on the WNV vaccine and to find out more about it. other vaccines against viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, such as equine encephalitis. "A few months ago we had a positive equine test for WNV in the Don Pedro / La Grange area. You can call our office to report these animals for possible tests, "writes Kostlivy
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