Mosquitoes are one of the least pleasant aspects of summer and can be a real annoyance to hikers, campers and kids simply having fun in the backyard.
Mosquito bites not only sting, they come with the fear of infection, including the West Nile virus.
In a video from Akron Children’s Hospital, Blaise Congeni, MD, director of Infectious Disease, discusses West Nile Virus which, in rare cases, can affect the brain and central nervous system.
“Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches and headache,” said Dr. Congeni. “As the disease severity progresses, the headache becomes much more intense. There is also the potential for stiff neck, paralysis and weakness that is profound.”
Dr. Congeni said cases of West Nile virus are more likely to occur in late summer and that dusk is a favorite “feeding time” for mosquitoes.
The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to apply a mosquito repellent containing the chemical, DEET. However, DEET should not be applied to infants under 2 months of age.
#WestNileVirus: The treatment and prevention of this rare and sometimes serious #disease. http://bit.ly/lvPR6j
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