As summer takes hold, residents are becoming more concerned about the annual mosquito-borne illness problem. According to Christina Hinkle, RN, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department’s director of clinic services, “West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that causes no symptoms in approximately 80 percent of the people who are infected.”
As many as 20 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will have symptoms including body aches, fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rashes on the stomach or back. About 1 in 150 people develop more severe illnesses that may cause neurological impairment.
Lacrosse virus, and its most severe form, Lacrosse encephalitis, can occur as the result of a mosquito bite. There are usually no symptoms. Most cases of Lacrosse encephalitis occur in children less than 16 years of age. Symptoms in those who become ill include fatigue, fever, headaches, lethargy, nausea and vomiting.
Other not-as-common mosquito-borne diseases include Chikungunya and Dengue, seldom diagnosed in West Virginia.
“Milder cases of mosquito-borne diseases improve on their own,” Hinkle stated, “and people do not need to consult a health care provider.” Hinkle said anyone developing symptoms such as confusion, severe headaches or high fevers should contact a health care provider. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also talk to their health care providers if they develop severe symptoms that could be associated with a mosquito-borne illness.
Preventing mosquito bites is the easiest way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. According to Stanley Mills, KCHD’s director of Environmental Services:
- When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, IR335, oil of eucalyptus, paramenthane-diol or picaridin. Follow the package directions.
- Mosquitos are most active from dusk to dawn. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants during these times or consider staying indoors.
- Keep out mosquitos by having good screens on your windows and doors.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Empty standing water from barrels, buckets and flower pots. Frequently change the water in pet dishes. Replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings, so water drains. Keep wading pools empty and on their sides when they’re not being used.