Q&A: How do I keep my child safe from West Nile Virus?

Submitted by Tue 01/26/2010

When it first appeared in

Submitted by Marsha Newsom on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 00:53.

When it first appeared in America in 1999, public health officials feared an epidemic outbreak of the West Nile Virus. The virus killed 280 Americans in 2002. The number of cases reached an all time high in 2006, despite predictions that the rate would drop as the population built up immunity to the virus.

Although more prevalent in adults, children can contract the virus. It's symptoms, unlike any other childhood disease, can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, an altered mental state, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Some cases may have skin rash on the body trunk and swollen lymph nodes. Mild cases last a few days. Severe cases develop into encephalitis and can last for weeks.

West Nile Virus is transmitted by birds to mosquitoes who then infect humans. Like all mosquito-borne diseases, it cannot be cured. Prevention is the best recourse. That means going after the mosquito. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a three step approach. ¹

Avoid bites and illness
Clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play
Help your community control the disease

Use natural repellents to avoid bites. You can buy prepared repellents from your health food store or make your from essential oils. Essential oils that are effective in repelling mosquitoes are cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus, citronella and castor oil. Safe carrier oils and alcohols are olive, sunflower or canola oil, witch hazel or vodka. Cover up when you go outside, particularly between the hours of dawn and dusk.

To clean out mosquitoes, look for their breeding grounds. Mosquitoes need water to breed, so clean out any standing water in gutters, flower pots, pet food dishes, garbage cans or anything else around your house that can catch and hold water. Mosquito-proof the inside of your home by repairing doors, windows and screens.

In your community, report dead birds to authorities. This may indicate that the virus is being passed between mosquitoes and birds in your area. Check with your local government to see if there is an organized mosquito control program. Join with your neighbors to monitor and drain standing water in public parks.

West Nile Virus, while not always fatal, is always dangerous. Your children need to understand that mosquitoes can be more than itchy irritants. Teach them the importance of protection and prevention.

References

1. Fight the Bite, CDC

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