USA: West Nile Virus Cases Increase Among Drought and Flooded Areas
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Pastor Dale Morgan
Aug 22, 2011, 1:30:08 AM8/22/11
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USA: West Nile Virus Cases Increase Among Drought and Flooded Areas
Posted by Kristeen Moore on August 21, 2011 10:14 AM
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos in three neighborhoods in the District of Columbia this week, the Washing... Read Moreton, D.C. Department of Health has reported.
West Nile Virus cases are increasing across the U.S. in areas that are stricken by both severe drought and flooding. Mosquitoes transmit the potentially deadly virus to humans.
According to the North Platte Telegraph, a Nebraska news publication, recent flooding in the region is posing a threat of West Nile Virus. Stagnant pools of water left behind in North Platte, Nebraska, are potential breeding grounds for the types of mosquitoes known to carry the disease. Eggs can remain in cooler temperatures for years, waiting for the right climate to hatch.
Mosquito eggs hatch when the weather is warm and humid. The North Platte Telegraph reports that a hatchling can become an adult within 10 days. For areas such as Nebraska, this can create a rapid increased risk of West Nile Virus, given the vast amount of dormant eggs in recent flooded areas.
Heat is also partly to blame for a surge in West Nile Virus in other parts of the country. Drought-stricken Houston has seen three times as many cases of the virus in mosquitoes compared to last year, reports ABC News.
A record number of birds are seeking water in Houston amid the dry conditions. ABC News explains that the birds can carry the virus, and then transmit it to mosquitoes. An infected mosquito can then pass on the virus by biting humans.
West Nile Virus often has no symptoms, but it can be deadly once it enters the brain. Mild symptoms can include headache and fever.
The best form of protection is to take preventive measures. Remove any pools of stagnant water from around the home. Bird baths, trash cans, flower pots and wading pools are all prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also recommends wearing insect repellent when outdoors.
West Nile Virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999 and cases tend to flare up during the hot summer months.
USA: West Nile Virus Cases Increase Among Drought and Flooded Areas
Posted by Kristeen Moore on August 21, 2011 10:14 AM
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos in three neighborhoods in the District of Columbia this week, the Washing... Read Moreton, D.C. Department of Health has reported.
West Nile Virus cases are increasing across the U.S. in areas that are stricken by both severe drought and flooding. Mosquitoes transmit the potentially deadly virus to humans.
According to the North Platte Telegraph, a Nebraska news publication, recent flooding in the region is posing a threat of West Nile Virus. Stagnant pools of water left behind in North Platte, Nebraska, are potential breeding grounds for the types of mosquitoes known to carry the disease. Eggs can remain in cooler temperatures for years, waiting for the right climate to hatch.
Mosquito eggs hatch when the weather is warm and humid. The North Platte Telegraph reports that a hatchling can become an adult within 10 days. For areas such as Nebraska, this can create a rapid increased risk of West Nile Virus, given the vast amount of dormant eggs in recent flooded areas.
Heat is also partly to blame for a surge in West Nile Virus in other parts of the country. Drought-stricken Houston has seen three times as many cases of the virus in mosquitoes compared to last year, reports ABC News.
A record number of birds are seeking water in Houston amid the dry conditions. ABC News explains that the birds can carry the virus, and then transmit it to mosquitoes. An infected mosquito can then pass on the virus by biting humans.
West Nile Virus often has no symptoms, but it can be deadly once it enters the brain. Mild symptoms can include headache and fever.
The best form of protection is to take preventive measures. Remove any pools of stagnant water from around the home. Bird baths, trash cans, flower pots and wading pools are all prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also recommends wearing insect repellent when outdoors.
West Nile Virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999 and cases tend to flare up during the hot summer months.
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