Tips to Avoid West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

The following is a press release from Chatham Health District:

During the hot summer months, there are many things to worry about. We have to be careful about sunburns, pool safety, leaving kids in hot cars, and bug bites. And with summer heating up cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus are starting to pop up.  Mid-July through September is when we typically start to see an increase in infected mosquitoes and it’s a good time to remind people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are both viruses that happen to be carried by mosquitos.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most persons infected with EEE have no apparent illness. Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting.

West Nile virus is also a virus transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will have a mild, flu-like illness with a fever. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes residents should:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, when it is necessary to be outdoors.

How can I reduce mosquitoes around my home?

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. These measures can help reduce mosquitoes:

• Elimination of standing water suitable for mosquitoes Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Clean clogged roof gutters.
• Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.