The Clark County Health Department announced Tuesday that a horse in the county tested positive for West Nile virus. Here’s how you can prevent it.
Explanation of the main symptoms of West Nile virus
West Nile virus is the most common cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, with the highest concentration in the Midwest. Here’s how to tell if you’re infected.
A horse from Clark County tested positive for West Nile virus.
According to a press release from the Clark County Health Department, the department was notified Monday that a horse in the county tested positive for the virus on August 8.
Health officials say the presence of a horse with West Nile virus confirms that there are mosquitoes in the area that are infected with the virus and can transmit the virus to humans and other animals. According to the release, the virus is transmitted to humans, horses, birds and other animals through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds.
The health department said the virus is not transmitted from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
What should you pay attention to?
According to a press release from the Clark County Health Department, about 80% of people infected with West Nile virus do not become ill.
Those who become ill usually only have mild symptoms. These include fever, headache, muscle pain, rash and fatigue.
Less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus experience severe symptoms such as high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis and coma.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing serious illness that can be fatal. People who think they may be infected with West Nile virus should contact a doctor.
USA TODAY recently reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spent several days in the hospital with the mosquito-borne virus, saying he felt like he had been “run over like a truck.” Although the 83-year-old doctor spent six days in the hospital with more severe symptoms, his case is rare.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 150 infected people develops severe, sometimes fatal illness.
What can you do to prevent West Nile virus?
According to the press release, horse owners are encouraged to visit their veterinarian to have their animals vaccinated. They can also help protect the animals by removing standing water and keeping the animals indoors from dusk to dawn.
The best way to prevent the virus, according to the press release, is to reduce contact with mosquitoes and eliminate breeding grounds. Mosquitoes are no longer active when there is a severe frost and temperatures are below -28 degrees for at least four hours.
How can you avoid mosquito bites?
The Clark County Health Department recommends applying an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535 to all exposed skin and clothing.
Permethrin can be used to treat clothing before going outdoors. Do not apply it directly to the skin.
If possible, avoid or postpone outdoor activities until the evening or early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.
When outdoors, wear clothing that covers your skin, including long sleeves, long pants and socks.
You can also mosquito-proof your home by making sure windows and door screens are intact and tight. Remove standing water from tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, old tires, gutters and downspouts. Wheelbarrows, wading pools, buckets, small boats, canoes and kayaks should be turned over when not in use. Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least every three days. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs and drain water from pool covers. Trimming tall grass and weeds can also help, as mosquitoes use these areas to rest during the hot daytime hours, the release said.
What is West Nile virus?
According to the CDC, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States and is most often transmitted by infected mosquitoes. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus in people.
According to USA TODAY, the virus became endemic in the United States 25 years ago in New York City. So far this year, 216 cases have been reported in the United States. August 1999 was the first year it was introduced into the United States, with 62 cases reported then. The virus itself was first discovered in Uganda and then spread across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Infections are usually diagnosed in August and September.
USA TODAY’s Eduardo Cuevas contributed to this report.
More about the West Nile virus: Mosquito season begins: Seventh person dies of West Nile virus
Contact Caitlin at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
