West Nile Virus Threats & Concerns
Flying and biting insects are a nuisance to every man, woman and child (and their pets) who long to enjoy the outdoors. But what has been viewed traditionally as an annoyance has now become a serious and potentially life-threatening problem with the arrival of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus.
General Questions About West Nile
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
West Nile virus transmission has been documented in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, India, parts of Asia, and Australia. It was first detected in North America in 1999, and has since spread across the continental United States and Canada.
Who is at risk for infection with West Nile Virus?
Anyone living in an area where West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes can get infected. West Nile virus has been detected in all lower 48 states (not in Hawaii or Alaska). Outbreaks have been occurring every summer since 1999. The risk of infection is highest for people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities because of greater exposure to mosquitoes.
Is there a vaccine available to protect people from West Nile virus?
No. Currently there is no West Nile virus vaccine available for people. Many scientists are working on this issue, and there is hope that a vaccine will become available in the future.
What are the symptoms of West Nile disease?
No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.
Febrile illness in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.
Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die.
(For more questions & answers visit our source: CDC.gov)
MOSQUITO BITES CAUSE INFECTION
The main route of human infection with West Nile Virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds. The virus eventually gets into the mosquito's salivary glands. During later blood meals (when mosquitos bite), the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and cause illness.
(Source: CDC.gov)
A CONTINUOUS THREAT
Mosquitos can lay their eggs in even insignificantly measurable amounts of water, including fish ponds, bird baths, old tires, tin cans, lingering puddles of rain, guttering, catch basins, tree cavities or basically any place that can hold water. The eggs may hatch in less than 3 days, and the entire mosquito life cycle can be completed in 5-10 days. This means that the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses are a continuous threat that must be dealt with to keep your family protected.
NO PROTECTION LIKE MOSQUITONIX®
Mosquito and insect control products come in many shapes, sizes and forms. There are lotions, gels, pump sprays, candles, yard bombs, propane devices - literally thousands of different ways of attacking a backyard bug problem. But none of them really protect you from mosquitos and the diseases they carry like MosquitoNix's mosquito mist system and monthly treatment program can.