Editorial

West Nile Virus demands a few simple precautions

Thursday, July 27, 2006

West Nile Virus doesn't have the "scare" value it did when it first appeared in Nebraska a few years ago, and we may have been unduly alarmed, at first.

But it's a threat that hasn't gone away, and it is a danger worth taking seriously.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year in Nebraska, 55 people developed meningitis or encephalitis in connection with West Nile Virus, 133 had fever and five died.

Accordingly, the Red Willow County Health Department continues to monitor the disease, and this week received its first positive report of mosquitoes with WNV, according to director Margie Swanda.

What's the disease like?

Well, many of us have probably already had it without knowing it. Those who have mild symptoms can have fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. They typically last a few days.

About one in 150 people infected will develop severe illness, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and the neurological effects can be permanent, Swanda said.

Most people with mild symptoms do not require medical treatment, and the symptoms normally will improve on their own.

Anyone with the more severe type of symptoms should seek medical attention, she said.

No, we don't need to stay indoors until the threat of West Nile Virus passes, but there are simple precautions we should take.

It's important to apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when possible to avoid the bites. Also, avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk as much as possible helps reduce risk, because that's when mosquitoes are most active.

With many of us attending the Red Willow County Fair this week as well as other fairs and festivals, the precautions are especially warranted.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: