West Nile Virus Details

The first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in North America was reported in 1999. As of May of 2006, WNV has been documented in the contiguous United States and the District of Columbia.

The virus is carried long distances by infected birds and then spreads locally by mosquitoes that bite these birds. Only certain types of mosquitoes transmit the virus to people and only a small percentage of these mosquitoes carry the virus. Most people will not become ill. Symptoms generally appear 3 to 14 days after exposure. All residents of areas where WNV activity has been confirmed are at risk, but people over 50 seem to be especially vulnerable to severe forms of the disease.

What are Common Symptoms of West Nile Virus?

In people that become ill, most will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rashes, or swollen lymph nodes. However, this virus can cause serious illness including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and/or meningitis (swelling of the brain lining).

For the serious illness, symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, and tremors, disorientation, convulsions and coma. Severe infections can result in permanent brain damage or, in rare cases, even death.

At this time, prevention is the only way to fight this virus. There is a vaccine that can be used for horses, however, the vaccine for humans is still years away.

How to Protect Your Family from West Nile Virus:

• Use insecticides to control the population of mosquitoes
• Remove the breeding grounds of mosquito’s i.e., standing water
• Limit your time out doors during the early morning and the dusk
• Use approved mosquito repellent
• Install screen windows and doors on your home
• Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts
• Report dead birds in your area to the proper authorities

Some states such as Colorado and California have tried to raise the awareness of the virus and preventative procedures by using aggressive ad campaigns. Colorado and many other states have used insecticides as a means to control the mosquito’s populous.

An Effective Insecticide in Fighting West Nile Virus?

In the past, one such insecticide was Naled. Learn how Naled helps prevent West Nile Virus. Naled was first introduced in 1959, for the use in the United States. Naled has a wide range of use as an insecticide. It is distributed in a diluted solution with a maximum of 1.6 ounces of the active ingredient applied per acre. With this dosage there is very little risk, however, higher concentration of this chemical have caused such symptoms as:

• Numbness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Slowed heartbeat

The EPA has studies, which suggest there is low risk with Naled and no link to cancer; however, when Naled degrades or breaks down it produces a chemical byproduct, dichlovos that has been classified by the EPA as a possible carcinogen (cancer causing agent).