2023-08-05 10:23:49
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Public health and mosquito control experts say that rainy winters and hot summers are causing “very significant” warning signs related to the West Nile virus outbreak in the western United States.
Thus, residents must be careful to avoid being bitten.
“The number of mosquitoes that hatched following the spring thaw is pretty massive, in many states, whether it’s Colorado, Utah or California,” said Daniel Markowski, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association.
He explained that many areas have noticed the spread of West Nile virus from mosquitoes.
Dr. Erin Staples, the medical epidemiologist in charge of the agency’s Viral Diseases Branch, said thousands of cases are reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Control each year.
She explained that the virus does not cause symptoms for regarding 80% of people who contract it. However, 1 in 5 people can suffer from heat, along with muscle aches, headaches, and rashes.
About 1% of people develop acute illness, which is an infection involving the central nervous system, said Dr. Vicki Kramer, chief of vector-borne diseases at the California Department of Public Health.
It can cause paralysis or death.
Staples explained that “West Nile,” named following a region in Uganda, was identified in 1937.
It is commonly spread in the United States by a mosquito called Culex, which spreads throughout the country.
Human casualties remain relatively low.
However, August usually sees the most cases.
Markowski said that monitoring systems in western states have begun sending out warning signs of a potentially more active West Nile season.
The amount of virus found in mosquito samples has risen over the past five years.
“Once you see an increase in West Nile virus in mosquitoes, it sounds like an alarm that people should take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes,” Staples said.
“Mosquitoes evolve in standing water, so the more standing water around you, the more habitat there is for mosquitoes,” Kramer said.
With recent temperatures rising to record levels in the West, she explained, “Hot weather accelerates the cycle of transmission of West Nile virus, because mosquitoes evolve rapidly, and the virus multiplies more quickly in mosquitoes.”
Mosquito control agencies are seeking to reduce the presence of populations in areas where West Nile is detected.
“The public can really help us detect and monitor West Nile virus activity,” Kramer said.
Experts recommend using mosquito repellent or wearing long sleeves and pants, if possible, especially in the early morning and evening.
And do not forget to put screens that are firmly attached to the doors and windows.
“Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animal in the world,” says Kramer.
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