Watch Out for Mosquitoes

Posted: September 3, 2024, 2:03PM

We're hearing more about mosquito-borne viruses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. Professionals are telling us that severe cases can be deadly or leave lasting injuries.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is rare according to a NY Times report but at least four states have reported infections this year. West Nile Virus has also had a more predominant presence this year.

Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and nausea. If there is also confusion or an altered mental state, Dr. Waleed Javaid, director of Infection Control and Prevention at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York recommends a trip to the ER or urgent care. Blood tests are most often used to make an official diagnosis. If neurologic symptoms present, doctors may order a spinal tap.

There is no specific treatment according to nbcnews.com Health News ("The bite is on: What to know about the viruses mosquitoes are spreading") and epidemiologist Dr. W. Ian Lipkin says that "All we really can do is keep them hydrated, keep their fevers down and make sure they don't have respiratory failure."

Some areas are recommending that people stay inside from dusk til dawn. If you are outside, use bug spray with DEET. The CDC recommends Picaridin. Make sure there is no standing water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs and reproduce such as dog bowls, bird baths, flowerpots, etc. Dress in loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants.

Climate change can bring about more EEE and West Nile infections. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, states that the future may bring more EEE and West Nile infections. "With climate change you get abundant mosquitoes" and moreover "the increased warmth allows the virus to replicate more quickly in the mosquito which makes it more likely for it to transmit the virus when it bites you."

Late August and early September are when cases increase rapidly.