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YourHub.com \\ Port St Lucie \\ Stories \\ Tips & Techniques \\ General Tips & Techniques

Mosquito-Transmitted Virus Awareness Important

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Contributed by: Toby Srebnik on 7/31/2007

Despite a large decrease in the number of reported cases of St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile Virus between 2006 and 2007, now is the time for people across the United States to be on their toes, according to Phil Koehler, Professor of Entomology at the University of Florida.

"As parts of the country have experienced tremendous amounts of rain over the past month, an increase in mosquito activity can be expected," said Koehler. "With this increase, people should be ready to protect themselves as best they can from mosquito-transmitted viruses."

Barry "The Bug Guy" Murray, national spokesperson for Truly Nolen of America, suggests several ways to help control the mosquito population to best prevent these diseases from gaining a stronger foothold.

"Disrupting mosquito breeding grounds is the key in helping to prevent the spread of West Nile or any other mosquito-borne virus," said Murray. "It is important to drain any sources of standing water in the yard. In addition, emptying old flower pots, tires and other containers of water can also help prevent the spread. Still water is a magnet for breeding mosquitoes."

Murray said while most people have heard of West Nile Virus, people should be just as cautious when it comes to St. Louis Encephalitis. No human vaccines are commercially available for this disease, and illness ranges in severity from a strong headache to a viral invasion of the central nervous system with an overall case-fatality ratio of 5-15%. The elderly are at highest risk for severe disease and death.

"St. Louis Encephalitis is the mosquito-borne virus disease which historically has caused the most problems in North America," Murray said. "With epidemics occurring sporadically since the disease was first recognized in 1933, it is important for the public to be aware of this disease's unpredictability."

Transmitted to humans through an infected mosquito's bite, there were 10 confirmed cases of St. Louis Encephalitis in the U.S. in 2006 according to the USGS. In 2007, there has been one confirmed case; however, larger outbreaks have traditionally occurred in the late summer or early fall.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that was first seen in North America in 1999. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. As there is no specific treatment for infection or vaccine to prevent it, the most serious manifestation of West Nile Virus is a fatal inflammation of the brain in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds.

Transmitted to humans through an infected mosquito's bite, there were 4,268 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S. in 2006 according to the United States Geological Survey. While only one percent of these cases become severe, medical care should be sought as soon as possible for persons who have symptoms suggesting severe illness. In 2007, there have been 54 confirmed cases.

Besides removing still water, any attempt to prevent mosquito bites should also include the following elements:

1) From now until October, minimize your time spent outdoors, especially at dawn and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.

2) Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

3) Apply insect repellent repeatedly to exposed skin and clothing.

4) Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

About Truly Nolen

Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has 69 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah as well as Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.trulynolen.com.

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