The Tri-County Health Department has announced that a 37-year old Parker woman is the first victim of West Nile virus in Douglas County this year. The woman contracted meningitis as a result of the mosquito's bite. She is now recovering at home.
It's important to take measures around your home to prevent mosquitoes from finding congenial places to breed and to protect yourself from the bite and possible infection.
Here are some things you can do, courtesy of "
Fight the Bite:"
Drain standing water around the house. That's where mosquitoes lay eggs. So turn over the flower pots and other outdoor receptacles for water often.
Limit your outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. That's when mosquitoes are most active.
Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside at dawn or dusk or when mosquitoes are otherwise active.
Use insect repellant containing DEET. Be sure to read the instructions on the container, especially if you are thinking about applying the repellant to the skin of a child.
"Fight the Bite" has put together a helpful checklist for controlling mosquito-breeding conditions at your house and in your garden. Check it out
here.
Although rare, West Nile virus can be fatal. In 2003, 63 Coloradans
died from the disease. Almost 900 people in this state were hospitalized as a result of contracting the virus that year. Some suffered permanent disabilities.
According to the
Tri-County Health Department:
"Fewer than one percent of mosquitoes carry this virus and fewer than one percent of people infected with the virus will develop severe illness.
Symptoms generally appear three to 14 days after exposure.
All residents of areas where West Nile virus activity has been confirmed are at risk, but people over age 50 seem to be especially vulnerable to the severe forms of disease. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
West Nile virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining). However, most infections are mild and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
More severe infections may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness or convulsions. Persons with these symptoms need to seek medical attention immediately."
Castle Rock has no established regulatory program aimed at requiring people to reduce or eliminate sources of standing water on their property. The town relies solely on public education efforts.
So, please, be neighborly. Think about how the conditions in your yard might affect those around you and protect yourself from West Nile virus, too.