The IAA One Minute Blog

No one likes mosquito bites, but did you know that some mosquitoes can actually hurt you? For the past few summers the news has been reporting dangerous outbreaks of West Nile virus.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus outbreaks are likely to flare up in the coming years, spurred on by warmer, longer, mosquito seasons. In 2012 there were 5,674 cases of the virus and 26 deaths.

West Nile virus is commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of people with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. However, more serious conditions can occur:

1. West Nile virus fever: About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Body aches
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Lack of appetite
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vomiting
  

Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks, sometimes months.

2. Neurological illness: Less than one percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop a serious neurological illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissue). Symptoms include:

• Coma
• Disorientation or change in the ability to think clearly
• Headache
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Weakness in one arm or leg

Recovery may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurological affects may be permanent. About 10% of people who develop a neurological infection due to West Nile virus will die.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus.

How to Prevent West Nile Virus

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family:

• Clothing: When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks, when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will give you extra protection.
• Mosquito proof your home: To mosquito proof your home, install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Peak hours:Take extra care during peak mosquito hours, which are usually from dusk to dawn.
  
• Repellent: Use insect repellent when you go outdoors. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. Don't apply repellents directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
• Standing water: Empty objects with standing water, such as flower pots and pool covers.
  

The CDC stresses that early detection is key. To wait for people to become exposed to West Nile virus, have it manifest as an infection or illness, visit a doctor and test positive, could cause authorities to lose weeks in the war against an outbreak.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to stay safe this summer, so take the time to read these tips on how to avoid West Nile virus. No one wants to spend their summer in bed all because of a mosquito bite! Just think of IAA as your mosquito whisperer. Stay safe!

Interested in reading more blog posts on this topic? Click here and here.