What Moms Need to Know About West Nile Virus

Posted on Aug 19, 2012 in The Mommy Desk by eParisExtra

The West Nile Virus is so widespread in the Dallas area this summer that the Mayor of Dallas has declared a state of emergency and brought in planes for aerial spraying of pesticides.  The Metroplex has seen over 300 cases and some have been fatal.  At least two cases have been confirmed in Lamar County. So here’s what moms need to know to protect their kids.

First, what is West Nile Virus? West Nile Virus is a strain of encephalitis, a serious and sometimes deadly viral disease that can be carried by some mosquitoes. First found in the United States in 1999, West Nile Virus has been reported in 46 states. In 2007, West Nile Virus was responsible for 115 deaths in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Those most at risk are people over the age of 50, young children, and those with conditions that compromise the immune system may have more severe symptoms.

Next, What are the Symptoms? West Nile symptoms usually appear between five and 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. In the early stages, these symptoms may include:

• Severe headaches
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation
• Chills
• Muscle aches, pain, stiffness, or all three

If you or anyone in your family experiences any of these symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Finally, what can you do to protect your family?  Obviously, staying inside and away from mosquitoes is the best way to protect your loved ones, but not always practical.  So here are some tips:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite. Evenings and mornings have the most mosquito activity.
• Make sure to choose a product that is right for your activity, as this varies with time and relates to effectiveness.
• Take cover!
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt when outdoors.
  • Make sure your entire window screens fit tightly and are in good repair.

Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding

• Empty buckets, cans, and other receptacles to prevent water from collecting.
• Cover wading pools, but take care to drain water that may collect on pool covers.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. When they are not in use, keep pools empty and covered.
• Change water in bird baths every three or four days.
• Keep roof gutters clear and draining properly.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Dispose of old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other unused containers that can hold water.
• Report standing water to your local health department.

Additional Tips

• Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use, as printed on the product.
• Don’t allow children to apply insect repellents themselves.
• Monitor the news for information about current insect conditions and community efforts to control insects.
• Be aware that increased sightings of dead birds in your area can be a sign that West Nile Virus might be present. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you cannot contract West Nile Virus from an intact dead bird.) If you see multiple dead birds in your area, you should immediately contact the local health department.

From one mommy to another,

Jenny Wilson

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, serves on the PCT Board and Children’s Theatre Advisory Committee, the CAC board, the Parent Association Boards of Aikin, Crockett and PJH and was recently elected to the Paris ISD School Board of Trustees.  Mrs. Wilson is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.  She also is a certified yoga instructor, Jazzercise instructor and marketing consultant.