Stay safe from West Nile Virus this summer

(MAY 26, 2019) Summer is coming. More people will be doing things outside. Oregon health officials say it’s important for people to protect themselves from disease-carrying mosquitoes.

One of the illnesses to avoid is the potentially deadly West Nile virus. About one in five infected people may show signs of West Nile virus. People at risk of serious illness include individuals 50 years old and older, as well as people with immune-compromising conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. West Nile symptoms may include:

• fever above 100 degrees
• severe headache
• stiff neck
• mental confusion
• muscle weakness
• shaking
• paralysis
• rash.

Health officials suggest precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection. One suggestion is to prevent mosquito bites. West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

"It’s very easy for people to prevent bites from mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus," said Dr. Emilio DeBess. He is the public health veterinarian at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division. "Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus is low, people can take simple precautions to keep these insects at bay if they’re headed outdoors."

To prevent the spread of West Nile virus:

• Eliminate sources of standing water because that is where mosquitoes reproduce.
• Protect yourself with mosquito repellents, especially when you are outside at dusk or dawn.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in areas with mosquitoes.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

In 2018, there were two human cases of West Nile virus in two Oregon counties: Harney and Clackamas. In 2017, seven humans, 92 mosquito pools, five horses and one bird tested positive for West Nile. The virus also can be found in chickens, squirrels and dogs.

Climate change has led to longer mosquito seasons and are contributing to the spread of West Nile virus, health officials say. They agree these and other climate change indicators must be considered to help people better prepare for future transmission of the disease.