Mosquitoes received many minutes in the media last fall with the outbreak of West Nile Virus. Now that the weather is warmer and we had huge amounts of rain, the mosquitoes are back!
West Nile Virus is a threat to the health of citizens in the Houston area. It is spread by mosquito bites. The bite itself is not a part of the virus, instead the “venom” that a mosquito leaves behind under the skin is the culprit. Applying topical ointment or medication to an existing bite only helps the skin’s reaction to the bite, it does not prevent infection with the virus. Many people will be infected and not even know it. A few people will develop meningitis type symptoms, which may require hospitalization and supportive care. There is no antidote or cure for the virus. Reportedly, more people will die from influenza this year than from West Nile virus. In many cases, elderly, very young or those with chronic health and immune problems are the most likely to suffer from severe symptoms of West Nile Virus.
Prevention is the only cure. It is important to thoroughly wash all mosquito bites with soap and water as soon as possible after receiving a bite. This will wash away the mosquito saliva that contains the "venom". Children are encouraged to wear insect repellent to school in the morning as the early daylight and sundown times seem to be the worst for mosquitoes. Students may bring lotion or pump type spray (no aerosol cans allowed) to school to apply before outside activities. They must have a parent written permission and be able to apply the repellent alone. For more information check out the Fort Bend ISD website and the links to the Texas Department of Health. http://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/1137
West Nile Virus is a threat to the health of citizens in the Houston area. It is spread by mosquito bites. The bite itself is not a part of the virus, instead the “venom” that a mosquito leaves behind under the skin is the culprit. Applying topical ointment or medication to an existing bite only helps the skin’s reaction to the bite, it does not prevent infection with the virus. Many people will be infected and not even know it. A few people will develop meningitis type symptoms, which may require hospitalization and supportive care. There is no antidote or cure for the virus. Reportedly, more people will die from influenza this year than from West Nile virus. In many cases, elderly, very young or those with chronic health and immune problems are the most likely to suffer from severe symptoms of West Nile Virus.
Prevention is the only cure. It is important to thoroughly wash all mosquito bites with soap and water as soon as possible after receiving a bite. This will wash away the mosquito saliva that contains the "venom". Children are encouraged to wear insect repellent to school in the morning as the early daylight and sundown times seem to be the worst for mosquitoes. Students may bring lotion or pump type spray (no aerosol cans allowed) to school to apply before outside activities. They must have a parent written permission and be able to apply the repellent alone. For more information check out the Fort Bend ISD website and the links to the Texas Department of Health. http://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/1137