WNV (West Nile virus) is a virus that is transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito that carries it. The virus was first discovered in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda. As of 2016, there have been a total of 88,754 cases of WNV reported in the United States. Of those cases, 2 have been reported in New York City on August 16,2022.
West Nile virus is a serious illness that can cause neurological damage or even death. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus and no vaccine available to prevent its spread.
Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they bite birds that carry the virus. People who are bitten by an infected mosquito can then develop the illness. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms at all.
On average, 77 mosquitoes were caught in each trap every day this year, compared with 75 mosquitoes per trap per day for the same period in 2021. Studies have shown that a good portion of the tested mosquitoes are positive for West Nile Virus. If one or more mosquitoes in the pool are positive for the pathogen, it is a positively pool.
Common signs and symptoms of WNV
WNV is a serious threat to public health. The virus can cause severe neurological illness and even death in some cases. It is important to be aware of the common signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus so that you can seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
The most common symptom of West Nile Virus is a fever. Other common symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
Body Parts Being affected by WNV
Any part of body can be affected by West Nile Virus,studies have shown that certain body parts are more susceptible to infection than others. In particular, the brain and spinal cord are the most commonly affected by West Nile virus, followed by the lungs and kidneys.
4 Americans Have Already Died from WNV This Year
As of June 15, four people in the United States have died from the West Nile virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
West Nile is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health problems in people of all ages. The virus is usually spread through the bites of an infected mosquito.
Most people who become infected with West Nile will experience no symptoms at all. However, some may develop a fever, headache, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious health problems such as encephalitis or meningitis.
The CDC recommends taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. People should also take care to eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.
Ways to Protect Yourself From WNV
As the weather gets warmer, so do the mosquito populations. And with them comes the risk of diseases like West Nile Virus. There are simple ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry.
Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Mosquitos
It’s mosquito season, which means it’s time to take action to make your yard less attractive to these pests. The first step is to get rid of any standing water, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. If you have a birdbath, empty and refill it weekly. Empty any kiddie pools and buckets when you’re done using them. Keep gutters clean and unclogged so they don’t hold water.
Next, take steps to keep your yard clean. Cut the grass regularly and remove any leaf litter or debris. This will make it harder for mosquitoes to find places to hide during the day. Finally, consider using mosquito-repelling plants in your landscaping. Some examples include citronella, marigolds, and catnip.
Cover up:
Long sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks will keep your legs protected when outdoors.. Use mosquito netting when camping, even in the busiest back country, or in an unscreened structure.
DEET:
Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Products that contain DEET are effective repellents.
Be aware of peak biting times: Take extra care to use repellent and wear protective clothing between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
What diseases can mosquitos carry?
Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous insects in the world because they can carry and transmit deadly diseases. Some of the diseases that mosquitoes can carry include West Nile Virus, Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever. Each of these diseases is potentially deadly, and they all have different symptoms. WNV is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and it can cause fever, headaches, and body aches. A naturally occurring mosquito borne disease is malaria. Dengue Fever is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and it can cause severe joint pain, headaches, and a high fever. Yellow Fever is a disease that is caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause jaundice, fever, and vomiting.
How should you treat mosquito bites?
Mosquito bites can be a right pain, both figuratively and literally. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to ease the itch and irritation.
To start, wash the bite with warm water and soap. This will help to remove any bacteria or dirt that may be on your skin. Next, apply a pack of ice cubes wrapped in a cloth to the bite for about 15 minutes. The cold temperature will help to reduce inflammation.
If the bite is still bothering you after these two home remedies, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. This will help to further reduce swelling and itchiness.
Cures for WNV- West Nile Virus
If accidentally affected by the West Nile Virus, the first step is to seek professional medical help. There is no specific cure for the virus, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and speed up recovery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the WNV is a serious illness that can be deadly. Anyone who is bitten by a mosquito should be sure to get checked out by a doctor, especially if they are experiencing any symptoms. With two human cases already reported in New York City, it is important to take precautions and be aware of the dangers of this virus.
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