Mosquito Protection -
Keep those critters away.

GET MORE INFORMATION AT: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

Mosquitos are insects that have been around for over 30 million years. And it seems that, during those millions of years, mosquitoes have been honing their skills so that they are now experts at finding people to bite. A mosquito has a battery of sensors designed to track their prey, including:

• Hang an insecticide treated mosquito net over your sleeping area, if the room cannot be kept completely free of mosquitoes (cabins, tents, etc.) or if you are in a high-risk area. Bites are painful, discomforting and potentially dangerous.
• Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible i.e.: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks that cover the ankles, etc. Tuck in your pant legs and be sure to cover your neck opening. Wear a full head covering mesh net/hat when and where possible. Make sure you spray your clothing with a good mosquito repellant.
• High quality netting is lightweight, so you can easily carry it with you, it has even spacing in the mesh, is extremely tough and durable yet should be very soft. It should be easy to see through so it will not obstruct your vision or obstruct airflow.
• Use insect repellents in cream, lotion or spray form on any and all uncovered body parts. The composition of the medium determines how long it will be effective. Creams have a longer-lasting effect than sprays. Common active substances such as N, N-Diethyl-m-Toluamide (DEET) or Dimethylophthalate have proven to be very effective repellents, if you use them properly.
• Pre-treat with insecticides in the form of aerosols, vaporizers, candles, smoke spirals. Use carefully according to directions in your outdoor living area and, most of all, in your sleeping areas.
• Remain in mosquito-protected rooms/tents after twilight and at night, stay in rooms with air-conditioning or mosquito nets attached to windows and doors. Cover all openings of your tent with mesh draping, when there are mosquitoes present.
• Sleeping outdoors: try and select an optimum mosquito free site. Try and set up at a distance from stale standing water, ditches and heavily damp areas like bogs and marshland. Use a mesh hoop sleeping bag cover to keep mesh from direct contact with your body.
  
  

In the U.S., West Nile virus has now been documented in most states.

Q: How is West Nile virus spread?
A: West Nile virus is spread to human by the bite of an infected mosquito. Biting a bird that carries the virus infects a mosquito. You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact.

Q: How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected mosquito?
A: Being bitten by an infected mosquito will not necessarily make you sick. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or experience only mild illness. If illness were to occur, it would occur within 3 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Q: A mosquito has bitten me. Should I be tested for West Nile virus?
A: No. Illnesses related to mosquito bites are still uncommon. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light.

Q: How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
A: There is no specific therapy. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, i.e., hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilator support if needed, prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care.

Q: What proportion of people die when infected with West Nile virus?
A: Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile virus develops encephalitis, and among those hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis, the case fatality rate changes from 3% to 15%. Therefore, fewer than 1 in 1,000 people infected with West Nile virus die.

Q: Is there a vaccine against West Nile virus?
A: No. A vaccine for West Nile virus does not yet exist.