ENCEPHALITIS
is an infection of the central nervous system that may be caused by one of several mosquito-borne viruses (Eastern equine, Western equine, Venezuelan equine, St. Louis, and California group).DESCRIPTION: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by viral infection. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, photophobia (abnormal visual sensitivity to light), stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteady gait, and irritability. Symptoms that require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, seizures, muscle weakness, sudden severe dementia, memory loss, withdrawal from social interaction, and impaired judgement.
If you are outdoors during evening and night time hours when mosquitoes are most active, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.
Use insect repellants with no more than 30% DEET, but use sparingly and with care. (Products containing 15% or less DEET are recommended for children but products containing DEET should not be used on infants. Carefully read and follow directions on the container and wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended).
Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during evening and night time hours.
Empty water from outside objects such as bird baths and any containers in which water accumulates and where mosquitoes breed.
Ensure that door and window screens are in good repair.
WEST NILE-LIKE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS
Test results indicated that dead crows found in the metropolitan New York area had contracted and were carrying the West Nile-like virus. Tests on certain live captive birds determined that they had been exposed to the virus and had developed antibodies reflecting possible immunity to the disease.
The virus is contracted by a fresh water mosquito biting an infected bird and then, biting a human. Since infected birds can be highly mobile, it is clear that there is a potential for the disease spreading. It is believed that the virus has the ability to over-winter in hibernating mosquitoes and erupt in the spring with the mosquito population.
To be on the safe side it would be wise to follow the Department of Health guidelines that appeared above. We should be all right now that winter is upon us.
