Eastvale Mosquitoes Carriers for West Nile Virus

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JJ Harrison

image of mosquito on human skin before it makes bite

Brianne Leber, journalist

Everyone has had to deal with the occasional mosquito bite however many of us don’t know the risk a bite can have. Mosquitoes in Eastvale are positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV is a virus that starts in birds and is transmitted to mosquitoes when they bite the bird. The mosquitoes then bite humans and horses transmitting the disease again. 1 in 5 people will develop symptoms while others will remain unaffected. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pains, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and body aches. Most times the virus will pass with used of over the counter painkillers and rest however there are some cases that require hospitalization for added care. Weakness may continue weeks to months after the virus has passed. WNV can be fatal. 1% of WNV cases result in neurological illness. Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, and possibly paralysis.

Farmers Branch, Texas
The flow of transmission of west nile virius

There are multiple ways to reduce the risk of contracting WNV. Mainly in reducing reproduction and preventing the bite. The city is currently working with the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control to reduce the amount of mosquito breeding however there is only so much they can do.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, taking about a week to mature. Residents are urged to remove or empty all sources of standing water. This includes birdbaths, pots, vases, tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, and trash containers. Another, often overlooked, detail is to maintain clean rain gutters that drain properly. Reporting dead birds to authorities for WNV testing can aid in prevention as well. It is important not to touch deceased birds in any way.

Kent Bingham
Graphic created to summarize the preventative measures for WNV

To prevent bites, people are urged to fix house screens and run the air conditioner. It is suggested to remain indoors at dusk and dawn. When going out, wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, long socks, shoes, and insect repellent are a must.

It is important to remember the risk of mosquito bites and do all we can to prevent the itchy bites and sickness that is possible.