Ask Karen: What’s up with West Nile?

QUESTION: I haven’t heard much about West Nile Virus this year. Have we had many cases?

ANSWER: I did some checking with the Virginia Department of Health, and it seems we have not had any human cases, according to the United States Geological Survey Map that was posted as of July 29. The state with any human cases closest to us is Alabama with one case.

“In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, only a small proportion of mosquitoes are likely to be infected. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become sick. Less than 1 percent of all people who are infected will become seriously ill,” according to Virginia Department of Health.

There is no treatment for West Nile Virus.
Often people who are infected don’t even notice symptoms.

In order to cut your risk of mosquito borne illnesses including West Nile VDH recommends: Wear long loose light colored clothing; stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting; use insect repellant with the smallest percentage of DEET necessary, but no more than 50 percent for adults and 10 percent for children; turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires potted plant trays, buckets and toys; eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs; clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week; and clean roof gutter and downspouts.