Prevention key to West Nile Virus

The ? P? in Pediatrics stands for ?Prevention?. There is no treatment for West Nile Virus, so your best defense is prevention. There are two simple, but effective things you can do. Wear insect repellent and stop mosquitoes from breeding in your environment. Mosquitoes only travel 100 feet away from their breeding ground, so you could be breeding the very mosquito that bites you. Remove all standing water from 100 feet of your house, driveway or patio. They can breed in a very small amount of standing water, so leave no water reservoir unturned. Drain the dishes surrounding your plants, clean out your gutters and drain spouts, change the water in your bird bath every three to four days. Be vigilant, be cautious and prevent mosquitoes from biting you in your own yard.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, ?the CDC has declared the recent West Nile virus outbreak as the largest ever seen in the U.S.; Iowa West Nile virus case reports have been consistent with recent years. The Iowa Department of Public Health has reported five confirmed cases and several additional cases are currently being investigated. The five confirmed cases include one each in Grundy, Linn, Lyon, Page, and Plymouth counties. All patients have recovered.?

Prevention is key.

? Use insect repellent with DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label when using these types of products on children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2-months-old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3-years-old. Instead, put it on their clothes and around them instead of on them.

? Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

? Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.

? Eliminate standing water around the home.

Most people infected with the virus will not show any signs or symptoms. In mild cases symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, lethargy and occasionally a skin rash. In more severe cases a severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, a decreased level of consciousness, confusion, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis may occur. Even though there is no treatment, a physician may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms. It?s up to you to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and your children. A few simple steps can help prevent you and your children from contracting West Nile Virus.

Dr. Jay Heitsman, pediatrician, Medical Arts Clinic.