As summer approaches, the mosquitoes return and the threat of infection with the West Nile virus returns. In the United States, the West Nile virus appears to be most prevalent in the summer and fall months. In Canada, the risk begins roughly in mid-July and continues through September until the first hard frost. The West Nile virus, or WNV, as it is also known as occurs from an infected mosquito bite. It is important to take precautions to prevent infections by the West Nile virus and it’s spread.
By far the most common method of transmission is from mosquito to human. A mosquito, when feeding off of an infected bird, will pick up the West Nile virus and carry it to its next victim, most often humans.
West Nile virus isn’t spread from kissing or touching another person who has this infection but an infected person can transmist the virus through blood transfusions. According to NIAID (National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease), the West Nile virus has spread rapidly throughout the United States. It is noted by NIAID (National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease) that crows, blue jays, robins are the most susceptible to an infected mosquito bite and that the female mosquito can transmit this virus to other hosts.
The West Nile virus has now spread, not only in the eastern states, but the mid-western states as well. A bird who has acquired the West Nile virus is most likely to die from its effects.
The key to protection requires a few, relatively simple measures such as using an insect repellent when outside. If you are in a area where west Nile has been reported, you could avoid the outdoors altogether during the dusk and dawn hours if possible. Wearing light coloured clothing or long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in addition to a repellent is helpful if you must go out. If the mosquitoes are really bad, I will were a hat with mosquito netting – it really helps when gardening.
Also, never keeping standing water around, as it is a known breeding area for insects. If you have a bird bath or a wading pool, change the water in them twice a week. Keep secure screening on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Lastly, never touch a dead bird with you bare hands it may be infected with WNV.
It is estimated that about 20 percent of people exposed to the virus develop a mild illness. However, about one (1) in 150 that are infected develop a severe neurological disease.
A vaccination for the prevention of the West Nile virus has not been developed for humans but researchers do continue to work towards a vaccine that will help prevent the illness in the high risk populations of the elderly and those who are immune compromised. A vaccine for the protection against the West Nile virus is available, however, for horses.
Although we cannot stop the infestation of the West Nile virus in birds, we can take precautions to help squelch the spreading of the West Nile virus in humans by following all of the guidelines as listed above.
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