West Nile revisited

Dear Editor,

The future of the West Nile virus is uncertain. Health officials have monitored it nationally.

Mosquitos have a history of carrying serious diseases, including yellow fever and types of malaria. They are spreading this malady from Africa. It was first detected in New York in 1995. Birds became sick with it and the mosquitos transmit it after biting them.

As a teenager, I attempted to console a friend after her 11-year-old sister died from encephalitis. Disease-laden mosquitoes had bitten her while she sat on the porch of her family's home in the Colorado mountains. Her immune system was weakened bya difficult recovery from a recent tonsilectomy.

I wonder if the West Nile virus will eventually move below the age barrier of 50, and cause serious illness in younger people.

The report of this virus being in Hitchcock County wsa printed in the Gazette. That brings it closer to McCook.

William Reid's death from it in Lincoln was publicized on Sept. 1 by the Omaha World Herald. He fits the medical profile with his diabetes and heart condition at age 69. His job of supervising the loading of moving vans required him to stand outside exposed to mosquitos.

Fortunately, only one in a hundred humans is affected as adversely as Reid was. Sadly, this moving plague has killed 31 individuals to date during its invasion of 26 states. About 550 people have been sick enough to seek medical aid for it. Experts say it may escalate or mutate.

Countless birds have died from this affliction. Almost 370 horses have been diagnosed with it. Cold temperatures will cause the demise of mosquitos.

It will result in a decrease of the virus. Some scientists hope the birds will become immune to it. Still, there is a chance that it will come back next year stronger than ever.

Helen Ruth Arnold

McCook