With warm summer months nearing, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminds Americans that while no SARS-related deaths have occurred in the United States, the mosquito-carried West Nile Virus claimed 284 lives in 2002.
Forty-four U.S. states reported at least one case of West Nile Virus last year. States hardest hit included:
Illinois - 884 cases and 64 deaths
Michigan - 614 cases and 51 deaths
Ohio - 441 cases and 31 deaths
Louisiana - 329 cases and 25 deaths
West Nile Virus Update: Current Case Count (CDC)
Latest West Nile Case Maps (CDC)
Avoiding Mosquito Bites is Key
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.
While the chances of any individual person becoming ill from a mosquito bite is low, the CDC advises you can further reduce your chances of becoming a West Nile Virus victim by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. To avoid mosquito bites, the CDC recommends:
Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin whenever you are outdoors. For details on when and how to apply repellent, see the CDC's page on Insect Repellent Use and Safety.
When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Treating clothes with repellents containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection, since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times -- or take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water. Need examples? Learn more on the Prevention of West Nile Virus question and answer page.
Check to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program. The American Mosquito Control Association can provide advice, and their book Organization for Mosquito Control is a useful reference. Another source of information about pesticides and repellents is the National Pesticide Information Center, which also operates a toll-free information line: 1-800-858-7378 (check their Web site for hours).
There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.
| 