Huron Expositor, 2006-08-02, Page 6Page 6 August 2, 2006 • The Huron Expositor
Seniors more at risk from West Nile virus
If you are over 50, you could be at
risk of serious complications from
West Nile virus.
In 2005, more than 200
Canadians were diagnosed with
West Nile virus.
This disease moves between birds
and mosquitoes through mosquito
bites.
People can pick up West Nile
through a mosquito bite, too, and go
on to develop an illness from the
infection.
Symptoms of West Nile virus vary
from person to person . Many show
no symptoms at all.
However, flu-like symptoms are
common for mild cases of West Nile
virus. These include fever,
headache, body aches, a mild rash,
and swollen lymph glands.
More severe symptoms include
high fever, severe headache, stiff
neck, nausea, vomiting, difficulty
swallowing, loss
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1 DO James St. Seaforth
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of consciousness,
loss of co-ordina-
tion, and muscle
weakness and
paralysis.
Anyone over
50 and people
with weakened
immune
symptems are at
a higher risk for
more serious ill-
ness including
encephalitis,
meningitis and
acute flaccid
paralysis.
Although the
risk of develop-
ing illness from
West Nile is low,
contact your fam-
ily health care
provider if you
exhibit 'any of the
above -noted
symptoms.
Currently, there i$ neither a treat-
ment nor an approved vaccine for
West Nile virus. So, protecting your-
self from mosquito bites is the best
medicine!
Here are some suggestions to
avoid picking up West Nile through
a bug bite.
Limit your time outdoors between
dusk and dawn when mosquitoes
are most active. If you are outdoors
during this time, light-coloured
clothing is a good idea, as mosqui-
toes are attracted to dark colours.
Long-sleeved shirts, long pants,
and socks and shoes will also aid in
fending off bites.
An insect repellent is also effec-
tive. There are many types of per-
sonal insect repellents: available,
and those registered in Canada are
recommended.
The most effective repellents will
contain a chemical called DEET.
Insect repellents may cause dry
skin, which can be a problem if you
have thin skin. Try applying a mois-
turizer .first, and follow with .a
repellent containing a low concen-
tration of DEET (10 per cent or
less).
A higher concentration of DEET
does offer longer protection however
it should not exceed a concentration
of 30 per cent.
Repellent may also be sprayed on
top of clothing to prevent mosqui-
toes from biting through. However,
do not apply repellent underneath
clothing.
Ensure you read the directions
before you apply the product and
wash treated skin with soap and
water when you return indoors.
If you have a reaction to bug.
spray, don't use it again and wash.
the treated skin. Seek medical
attention if needed, and take the
product container with you.
It's a good idea to check out your=
surroundings, too. ` Mosquitoes -
spend most of their life cycle in
water and like to stay close to their
breeding sites and natural habitat.
So, it is important to remove
standing water , from areas around....
your home. Common mosquito
breeding sites include bird baths,
unused flower pots and tires.
Cutting back on watering your
yard will help control mosquitoes
and conserve water, too.
To keep mosquitoes out of your
house, well-maintained window and
door screens are key.
To date, Huron County has not
had a positive human case of West
Nile virus. However, the Huron
County Health Unit recognizes that
it is important to continue to moni-
tor West Nile virus activity.
A noticeable increase in dead
birds in one area may be an early
sign of West .Nile. So, the Health
Unit is monitoring dead bird sight-
ings and is collecting some dead
crows and blue jays for testing.
Please report all dead bird sight-
ings to the Huron County Health
Unit by calling 519-482-3416 or toll-
free 1-877-837-
6143. Ask for
extension 2001.
You can
reduce your risk
of being infected
with West Nile
by remaining vig-
ilant in your per-
sonal protection.
The best defense
is a good offence!
By Paul
Dawson
Public Health
Inspector
Huron County
Health Unit