Watch Out for Mosquitoes

From the Middletown Department of Health

Normally mosquito bites are no more than an annoyance or, at best, a source of discomfort. But this year’s wet spring is expected to yield a bumper crop of mosquitoes which could mean a significant increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) cases

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus can be a serious disease which usually occurs in the summer and up to the first frost in the fall. It is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes which have fed on infected birds.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus may not show any symptoms. Others typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after being bit by an infected mosquito. About 20% of those infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. Symptoms may last a few days or up to several weeks. In more severe cases, symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness, muscle weakness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In milder cases, symptoms will eventually clear without medication. In more severe cases, medical attention is usually required and may require hospitalization.

City health director Dr. Joseph A. Havlicek noted that mosquitoes develop only in water.

“Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow. It doesn’t take much water and it doesn’t take much time so almost any thing that will hold water for a week or more can produce mosquitoes,” he said.

Havlicek added that there are ways to help stop mosquitoes from breeding.

 “There are a number of effective and relatively safe products that home owners can use for mosquito control but it also important to get rid of standing water on your property. Remove cans, bottles, buckets, and other containers or just keep them empty. Drain water from plastic wading pools when not in use. Discard old tires or store inside. Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns. Clean clogged roof gutters and drain flat roofs. Frequently change water in bird baths. Fill in holes in trees with sand or mortar. Empty wading pools and wheelbarrows or other items that may collect water for periods of time when not in use.

And don’t forget to fix any holes in screens and make sure that they are tightly attached to all doors and windows”, he added.

When outdoors, Havlicek recommends avoiding activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing shoes, socks, and long-sleeved shirts can help protect against bites. Consider using a mosquito repellant containing an EPA registered active ingredient. Be sure to follow instructions on label and wash skin after usage.

For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile Virus call (860) 344-3482.