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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-08-03, Page 66 - THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Aug. 3, 2005 West Nile Virus risk increases with age "Information is a powerful mosquito repellent." While the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is low, the risk of serious illness associated with infection increases with age. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid mosquito bites. You are most likely to be bitten by mosquitoes that breed on your own property. By taking steps to reduce your risk of exposure, you can continue to enjoy your outdoor summer activities while reducing your risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito. What is West Nile Virus? WNV is a virus that is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes. It was first identified in the province of West Nile, Uganda in 1937. In 1999, it was present in the United States for the first time in New York State; in the summer of 2001, it was discovered in birds in southern Ontario. In 2004, Huron County had four birds test positive for WNV. How is the virus spread? Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The virus is carried in the mosquito's salivary glands. An infected FREE DELIVERY Prescriptions, Home Health Care & More! KEATI NC'S PHARMACY 67 Main St., Seaforth 527-1990 aa wed Q'wx LetGxeme'l7-t Meiede2ace 100 James St. Seaforth 527-0030 • Mark Your Calendar! SENIOR'S EXERCISE CLUB: Join Sue and get in shape! It all starts, August 4 at 9:30-10:30 Fun & fitness with refreshments to follow. Program will take place every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. DINER'S CLUB SUPPER & DANCE on August 9, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets $6.00 per person. EUCHRE PARTY on August 23, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $1.00 g; 4& 1 . provided. As space is limited, please call Susan h)r reservation. today .1t the Retirement I lomc 527-003o c\I. Jason Middleton photo Joe Van Dooren, of Seaforth, dumps water out of a bird bath to help prevent mosquito larva from forming. mosquito can then transmit WNV to humans and animals when it takes a blood meal. The virus is not known to spread from person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. The risk of becoming infected is highest during the mosquito season, which depending on weather conditions, can last from mid-April until late September. Are older adults at a greater risk from illness associated with WNV? Older adults are at no greater risk of being bitten by mosquitoes when outdoors than any other person; however, persons over 50, or those with weakened immune systems, are at a greater risk of becoming ill by the bite of an infected mosquito. This age group is most susceptible to developing severe illness since our bodies have a harder time fighting off disease as we age. What are the symptoms of WNV? Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. For those who do become ill, symptoms can begin two to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include mild fever, headache, body ache, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, muscle weakness, skin rash, swollen lymph glands, and sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, these symptoms may progress into a serious illness, including encephalitis, meningitis, and/or acute flaccid paralysis. Meningitis is inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and/or spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Acute flaccid paralysis is a polio - like syndrome that can result in the loss of function of one or more limbs. These conditions can be fatal. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. How is WNV treated? Is there a vaccine? Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine against WNV; however, the symptoms and complications can be treated, and most people recover from an infection. Vaccines are being developed and require further testing before they become available to the general public. If a mosquito bites me, and I live in an area where WNV has been detected, am I likely to get sick? Very few mosquitoes are likely to be infected. The chances of being bitten by an infected mosquito are minimal. What can I do to reduce my risk of being infected with WNV? Types of mosquitoes capable of transmitting WNV are active and feed between dusk and dawn, and during the day in heavily wooded areas. When you are outdoors during these times, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes. Light-coloured clothing is best since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. If you choose to use insect repellent, use one that contains DEET. Insect repellent can cause dry skin, which may be a problem for those with thin skin. Applying a skin moisturizer first followed by a repellent with a low concentration of DEET (10 per cent or less) may reduce this problem. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent means a longer time of protection. Repellent can also be sprayed on top of clothing since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. If outdoors for extended periods, repellent may need to be reapplied. When using repellent, follow the usage guidelines provided with the product. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. If you are concerned about using DEET, several DEET- free EETfree botanical repellents are federally registered but provide a shorter time of effectiveness. If you are going outdoors for less than 30 minutes, these are safe, effective alternatives. What can I do around my home to protect myself from mosquitoes? The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to clean up areas where they like to breed. Unlike birds and other insects, most mosquitoes do not fly very far and tend to stay close to their breeding sites and normal habitat. Remove or change (every 2-3 days) all standing water around your home since female mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs. Some common mosquito breeding sites around the home include birdbaths, old tires, pet bowls, flowerpot saucers, and clogged gutters and eaves troughs. When gardening, avoid excessive lawn and garden watering — you'll save water and keep mosquito populations down. Repair window and door screens, so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors. If you live in a residence or apartment, ask your building or facility manager to ensure that all window and door screens are repaired. Ask that attention be given to areas where standing water can collect around the premises. Are household pets at risk of contracting WNV? WNV infection has been reported in a wide range of animal and bird species, but according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus does not appear to cause extensive illness in dogs or cats. If I find a dead bird on my property, what should I do? Increased bird mortality in an area may be an early indicator of the presence of WNV. If you see a dead bird on or near your property, call the Huron County Health Unit at 519-482-3416 x 2001 or if calling long distance, 1- 877-837-6143. Currently, only crows and blue jays are submitted for viral testing since these species are highly susceptible to the virus. By Linda Stobo, Senior Health Promoter Huron County Health Unit Manor has new retirement home director The Seaforth Manor has a new retirement home director, Susan Garrick. On July 5, the residents were entertained by the Huron Strings and enjoyed playing euchre in the evening. On July 12, residents enjoyed the diners club. The Huron Strings returned the same evening, and the residents and staff enjoyed Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home A Family Owned Business Since 1975 &bee rpttnneno &87 Goderich St. W., Seaforth 527-1390 Ross W. Ribey - Funeral Director iyww.whitneyribeyfuneralhome.com Agent for: STRATFORD MEMORIALS LTD. Sc,i1orth Manor Nursing Ilontc' dancing to the music. There was lots of ice cream eating to keep cool and several residents commented that it was a treat. Lunch time barbecues were enjoyed by all. Many people have been enjoying themselves on the patio. For the most part, the month of July was very warm so our residents enjoyed and appreciated the air conditioning throughout the building. The residents and staff have started getting old cloth material ready to make a quilt and are thinking of selling the tickets as a fund raiser. New and exciting activities coming up available a community exercise program with coffee hour with our residents. In the fall, a community swim program which would hook up a resident with a volunteer or interested community citizens could also start if there is enough interest. Emma (Jean) Armstrong recently underwent hip surgery. We hope she is doing well. Several residents attended the dining for seniors program and enjoyed themselves. Dining Out celebrates Canada Day Belated Canada Day and the celebration of summer took place at the Seaforth Dining Out program at the Seaforth arena on July 21 at noon. We enjoyed having an indoor "air conditioned" summer picnic inside minus the heat and outdoor pests. The tables were dressed in red and Evhite with Canada Flags as the centre pieces. The diners were required to answer Canada Day trivia questions for each table to enter the line first and thereafter for main course and dessert. Seaforth I)inint. Out The diners helped themselves to platters of cold meat, homemade potato salad, caesar salad, devilled eggs, veggie trays, fruit trays, munchies and a variety of breads. For dessert, the diners made their own ice cream sundaes and had a delicious variety of toppings to try. Our pianist for the afternoon was Hugh Harper. He tinkled the ivories producing beautiful pieces of music. He event took requests. Door prizes were won by Jean Wilbee, Anna McNichol and Rika Groothuis. Share -the -Wealth winners were won by Dorothy McNichol, Bertha Taylor, Esther Smale, George Jamieson, Mary Rowcliffe and Vera Murray. Our next Seaforth and Area Dining Out program will be on Thursday, Aug. 18 at noon featuring roast pork and' fire safety. Cost is $8. Come out and join us. Please R.S.V.P. to Kara -Lee at 482- 9264.