West Nile Virus Catches the Mendocino County Resident

Ever since 2008, a tenant has been confirmed as the first person to contract the West Nile Virus in Mendocino County. As per the reports of Mendocino County Health and Human Services, the individual is recovering.

West Nile Virus, a disease which is transferred in humans and animals with the nibble of an infected mosquito. According to the health professionals, a person or animal that has been infected by West Nile Virus may have no symptoms of illness or they could become severely ill.

The Symptoms of MNV (Ranging From Severe to Mild)

It has been observed that the person infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) got severe symptoms that will occur in approximately less than 1% of persons. These symptoms are high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, convulsions, muscle loss, numbness, and paralysis and vision loss. It has also been stated that the WNV symptoms can last several weeks but the neurological effects might be permanent.

Up to 20% persons infected by MNV have mild symptoms which include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a rash on the chest, stomach and back. Person experiencing such symptoms can feel ill for only some days, whereas the persons with severe symptoms might feel ill for several weeks.

According to the health specialists, approximately 80% of the persons who are infected with WNV do not have any symptoms at all and do not feel ill.

• The persons having the age of over 50 years are at a high risk to come up with stern symptoms if they are infected with WNV.
• The persons who spend most of their time outside in morning and/or at evening.
• Try to avoid spending time outdoors in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
• Always use insect repellent and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when staying outdoors.
• Get rid of all sources of standing water to trim down mosquito breeding.
• Mend or put back worn out screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from inflowing your home.
• You can also add mosquito fish or larvicide to small ponds that do not have fish. For use of larvicide, follow the directions on the package.
• A vaccine for horses to prevent WNV is available but no vaccine has been yet produced for humans.