How to Avoid West Nile Fever
West Nile fever is the result of a mosquito-borne infectious
virus that is becoming a viable concern as an increasing number
of individuals are choosing safaris, rainforest adventures
and tropical islands as their vacation getaway, without knowing
how to properly protect themselves against this illness. Although
the virus was primarily associated with Africa and the Middle
East, today it is prevalent in many states as well as other
countries during the warm season. Campers, hikers, and lovers
of the outdoors are typically at greater risk of contracting
the disease.
 Mosquitoes
become infected with the West Nile virus after feeding on
diseased birds, the intermediate carriers. Consequently, the
infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to both animals and
humans through their bite.
Symptoms and Treatment
Many who are bitten by infected mosquitoes show no
symptoms of West Nile fever, and are ultimately unaffected
by the virus. However, approximately 20 percent of those who
are infected will develop West Nile fever which, at a mild
level, produces symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches,
swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash. When symptoms become
severe and include muscle weakness, neck stiffness, disorientation,
convulsions, tremors, coma and/or paralysis, the illness has
developed into West Nile encephalitis or meningitis.
Symptoms typically last for a few days; however, cases have
been reported whereby the illness extended to several weeks,
without advancing to a more serious state. It usually has
no negative long-term health effects, unless it progresses
into encephalitis or meningitis.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile fever. For the
most part, over-the-counter medication for fever and headache
offers relief.
Prevention
Despite the fact that it is fairly easy to avoid
contracting West Nile fever, few people take the simple steps
needed to protect themselves. Mosquitoes are primarily nocturnal
insects and usually feed at dusk and dawn; however, some species
will bite during the day, especially if you disrupt their
watery habitat while hiking through the forest. Here are some
basic helpful rules to follow in the prevention of West Nile
fever:
- When visiting highly populated mosquito areas, avoid wearing
anything that is scented - this means washing your hair
and body with unscented soap, and your clothes in a fragrance-free
detergent.
- If you are going to be outdoors at dusk or dawn, wear
protective clothing. If the fabric is thin, spray it with
insect repellent.
- When you camp or sleep in a tent, use a mosquito net –
it is an absolute must as lying still makes you a prime
feeding target for mosquitoes. The netting should hang from
above and wrap around your sleeping area so no skin is exposed.
- If you are staying in a remote hotel with questionable
screens or doors, use netting to cover any open gaps in
order to keep the mosquitoes out.
Treated mosquito nets are a convenient and inexpensive way
to protect yourself and your family against West Nile fever.
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