Mosquitos and West Nile Virus
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (168856)
Boise, Idaho
July 23, 2024 1:52pm CST
I just read an alarming article about mosquitos and their relation to the West Nile Virus. It scared me and I wanted to share what I found.
There is no current treatment for the virus and 8 out of 10 infected with it do not develop any symptoms. This virus can result in febrile illness or neurologic disease and that includes encephalitis or meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control says that the virus has been detected in two areas of Ada County which is the county in which I reside.
The severe symptoms are as follows: headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. Lovely, huh?
One out of 10 people who experience severe symptoms end up dying.
I don't live anywhere near the two areas that the CDC has reported as having samples that came back with the virus. I haven't seen one mosquito this summer.
What else is there for us to wonder/worry about this red-hot summer?
12 people like this
9 responses
@Deepizzaguy (104659)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
23 Jul
In my case my concerns is the heat outside the home and the remote chance of a severe storm coming to my area.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jul
Heat seems to be an issue all over right now. I hope there is no severe storm. We deserve a nice Fall.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
24 Jul
@Deepizzaguy .......I pity the animals and old folks this time of year.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (104659)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
24 Jul
@celticeagle That is true that the heatwave is brutal everywhere.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39169)
•
23 Jul
When I was 11, I contracted encephalitis. I was the only person in the county I lived in then, that got bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. I was so, so sick. The little local hospital was at a loss to treat me, and sent me to a larger city hospital. I was there for 0ver 6 months! I lived at the hospital. It messed with everything, and finally I was well and able to go home. I still remember how tired I was, and so disgusted that I couldn't feel better and go home.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
24 Jul
I am so sorry you had to endure that. Six months is a long time to be sick.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Jul
@MarieCoyle ......Wow! How very sad.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39169)
•
25 Jul
@celticeagle
My sister and I were very close in age and were always together. I couldn't see her at all, just talk on the phone. We talked every day. It was a very, very long illness and I wouldn't wish that on any kid, ever!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (161165)
• United States
24 Jul
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs that can quickly make us very sick. I do see mosquitoes often here, but they seem to avoid me.
1 person likes this
@much2say (56444)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Jul
I don't know about this year, but I know in the past these warnings were given out here. Right now there are tons of mosquitos out - my arms and legs could tell you about that. But knock on wood, I've never gotten West Nile (to my knowledge anyway) nor do I know anyone who got it. Still it is something to be concerned about.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jul
I don't either. I have gotten it I don't think. It is something to watch out and be aware of though.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
24 Jul
@much2say .......Well, I don't go outside so that might be part of it. I remember seeing one last summer.
1 person likes this
@much2say (56444)
• Los Angeles, California
24 Jul
@celticeagle I got a couple mosquito bites last night 
. It's pretty hot and muggy here, so the conditions are great for mosquitoes. Wow you haven't seen one this summer!
. It's pretty hot and muggy here, so the conditions are great for mosquitoes. Wow you haven't seen one this summer!1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (183044)
• United States
24 Jul
I just did a brief mention of this; and samples were found in New Jersey, Texas and New York and human infection cases were found in MANY states. I didn't know about Idaho. It is indeed very disturbing. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37401)
• Toccoa, Georgia
23 Jul
Lately, I have not seen that many mosquitoes where I live. Thank goodness. I hope it stays that way.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (120389)
• United States
23 Jul
I'm no expert but the limited research I've done about West Nile to teach in my virus lessons has told me that most of the time it is just like a cold or mild-flu. I don't say that lightly because it drives me NUTS when people say that COVID is "just a cold or flu". I'd be way more concerned about COVID, bird flu, the actual flu, etc.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168856)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jul
I am concerned about all of the ones you have mentioned.
1 person likes this
