Cooperative Extension

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. While the virus is a concern for anyone living in an area where there are infected mosquitoes, most people who become infected will never become ill. Less than 1 percent of people who are infected will become seriously ill. People over 50 years old have a higher risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, rash on the stomach area and muscle weakness. The symptoms can appear any time from three days to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you think you might have West Nile virus, contact your doctor so that blood can be drawn and sent to a laboratory for testing.

To reduce your chance of being infected with West Nile virus, there are many preventive measures you can take. If possible, try to stay indoors between dusk and dawn, when most mosquito bites occur. If you must be outside, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. Use an effective insect repellant, such as DEET. Check an insect repellent’s label to determine the percentage of DEET it contains. Experts recommend that adults use an insect repellent that contains no more than 50 percent DEET. Insect repellents for children should contain less than 10 percent DEET. Read the directions on the product before using. When you will be outdoors, apply insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin. When applying insect repellant on children, place it on your hands first, then apply to the child’s clothing and skin. Never apply insect repellent to open wounds.

Another preventive measure is to rid the area around your home of mosquito- breeding habitats. Empty water weekly from anything that may contain as little as a tablespoon of water. Mosquitoes will lay their eggs in clogged gutters, children’s toys, old tires, birdbaths, planter trays, buckets and other objects that may hold water. Screens on windows and doors should be secure and without holes.

Don’t forget to safeguard family pets and horses against West Nile virus. Veterinarians have applications that will protect animals from mosquito bites.

Enjoy the outdoors this summer, but protect yourself and those you care about. .