The Shelby County Health Department has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in Shelby County for this year.
Dr. Helen Morrow, Health Officer for the Shelby County Health Department, is not surprised of the report.
“This is the time of year that we start seeing the proliferation of the mosquito that carries West Nile,” says Dr. Morrow.
West Nile had already been detected in mosquitoes throughout Shelby County earlier this year. Now, the health department says extra precautions are needed. Dr. Morrow says for most people, the symptoms of West Nile are mild.
“Headaches, muscle aches, fever, not feeling well,” says Dr. Morrow about some of the more common symptoms.
But West Nile can turn deadly. In Shelby County, fourteen deaths have been attributed to West Nile since 2002 when the disease was first detected. Symptoms of a more serious reaction to West Nile Virus can include disorientation, convulsions, or even a coma.
“We see that occurring more often in people that are older or other medical conditions,” says Dr. Morrow. People over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications from the disease.
The major problem with West Nile is there is no treatment or vaccine for the disease. That’s why prevention is so important. One easy way the public can fight mosquitoes is by draining standing water or treating water that cannot be drained.
“For drainage systems there are things called mosquito dunks that you can get at local chain hardware stores that you can put down to prevent the growth of mosquitoes,” Dr. Morrow says.
And don’t forget to protect yourself when you go out.
“Wear the appropriate clothing, use mosquito repellent, and know that the mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus is out from dusk to dawn,” says Dr. Morrow.
These steps to protect yourself are also known as the 4 D’s:
- DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants, loose and light colored clothing when outdoors.
- DUSK to DAWN: Stay indoors during this time to avoid mosquitoes when they are most active.
- DRAIN standing water and install or repair window screens.
Peak mosquito season typically runs into October, but we’re not expected to see any real relief until the first frost of the year.
