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By Bridget Peterson [email protected]
Mosquito bites are again at increased risk this fall as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis have both been declared a threat to public health in New Hampshire.
Although there are ways to prevent WNV, there is no treatment.
The development of West Nile virus is "like winning the lottery, an event with very little probability, but serious and serious consequences, and the same kind of situation," said Alan Eaton, professor of extension at the University from New Hampshire.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of humans who contract an EEE die of the disease and most survivors have significant brain damage.
WNV has become more prevalent in New Hampshire. At least 16 mosquito lots in the state this year were tested positive for WNV, and public health officials said it was time to implement pest control measures. Governor Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recently released the public health threat statement.
All mosquito species can not transmit WNV. For example, Culex pipiens and Culex tarsalis spread the disease in humans. Of 48 species in New Hampshire, many have the ability to transmit the virus.
According to Eaton, WNV is relatively new in North America; he was recognized in New York in 1999 after the death of some birds in zoos and crows. It turned out to be a virus from Africa, he said. "West Nile is a virus that causes disease. This may surprise most people, but it's mostly a bird disease, "said Eaton.
The VNO takes different forms. According to the CDC, four out of five people infected with WNV develop no symptoms. One in five develops a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. With this virus, individuals recover fully, however fatigue can persist for weeks or months.
"About one in every 150 people infected develops a serious disease affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)," said Sarah MacGregor, President. dragon mosquito fighting in North Hampton.
According to the CDC, the symptoms of this acute form of WNV include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision, numbness and paralysis. Anyone who gets these symptoms should call their doctor, officials said. The recovery period of a serious illness is estimated to be several weeks or months. According to the CDC, some changes in the brain and spinal cord may be permanent. About one in ten people who develop a critical illness that affects the central nervous system is dying.
"Serious illness can occur in people of all ages; However, people over 60 are at greater risk, "MacGregor said. "People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and people who have had organ transplants, are also at greater risk."
The CDC says that currently, no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for WNV is available. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to reduce certain symptoms. Patients with serious illness often have to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, painkillers and nursing care.
Eaton suggests that people prevent the contraction of WNV by adjusting their behavior and avoiding the source: mosquito bites. In North America, mosquitoes are active day and night, from summer to fall. Never contact them can be unreasonable. However, precautions can be taken.
People should apply insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency with the active ingredient DEET or picaridine (known as KBR 3023 and icaridine outside the United States). The alternative active ingredients are IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. The CDC suggests that people use EPA-approved insect repellents because of the effectiveness of their products. As a rule, do not spray on the skin under clothing. Do not apply insect repellent on babies under two months old. Eaton advised people to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
"Dress kids up with clothes that cover your arms and legs," MacGregor said. "Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets." The CDC stated that clothing and clothing should be treated with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide.
Place screens on windows and doors and repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes out. Keep in mind that mosquitoes lay eggs in or near the water.
"Once a week, empty and scrub, flip, cover or throw away objects that contain water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, ponds, flowerpots or garbage cans." Said MacGregor.
Resources: cdc.gov/westnile/transmission/index.html
extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000963_rep1073.pdf
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