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West Nile, Insect-carried diseases still prevalent despite end of summer

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Summer will soon come to an end, but the risk of West Nile Virus and other insect-spread diseases remain prevalent through October.

Although the risk of developing serious complications is low, there are precautions that can be taken to prevent the spread of the diseases.

"Insect activity is highest from dusk to dawn," said 1st Lt. Megan Souder, 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health officer. "Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it's important to regularly check your home for any water accumulation and regularly drain items that hold stagnant water, including pet water dishes."

Due to the recent rains, there may be more accumulated water, but the case of insect-spread diseases such as West Nile virus is currently lower than last year. So far this year, there has been only one reported case of West Nile virus in Oklahoma County.
To prevent the spread of any insect-borne disease, officials suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and spraying bug repellent on exposed skin.

West Nile is carried by the Culex mosquito, which must bite an infected bird in order to pass it to a human. Ticks carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, which both result in fever and headache, plus a variety of other symptoms. If untreated, the illness can lead to more serious complications.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in that area," Lieutenant Souder said. "Watch for signs of illness such as a rash or fever and see a health-care provider if these develop."

The lieutenant said it usually takes two to three days before symptoms develop. When they do, only 1 percent of the population will experience serious symptoms that may last weeks. Eighty percent of the population will not develop any ailments. The remaining people may develop flu-like symptoms, which typically go away without treatment. People older than 50 are at the highest risk of developing something serious.