Feb
14
Myths About The West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus has plagued some areas in the US for some time now. Along with its spread came a lot of unfounded talk about what the said virus can cause. These myths may have given people the wrong impression of what the disease really is. The myths sometimes are taken as fact and may be giving people the wrong message about the disease. Here are some of those myths:
There is little that a person can to combat the West Nile Virus.
People may be looking at the said virus as a problem that is best left to the experts. That is why they believe that there is not much that they can do against it. This is not true. There is a lot that an individual can do to reduce the chances of being infected by the virus. First, a person can reduce the number of mosquito bites by using repellents. Next, people can clean up their surroundings by checking possible mosquito breeding areas and taking care of it. Not only will an individual help reduce being infected, he might also be doing something to help the community.
Kids should be the focus of protection since they are at most danger to the virus.
This is another myth about the West Nile virus. Actually it is not the kids that are at most risk being infected by the West Nile virus. It is the senior population. Statistics have shown that people over 50 are at most risk of developing the severe effects of West Nile disease. This might be due to a declining immune system that comes with age. But with this statistic come another myth about the said disease.
It is only the people with poor health who should be worrying about the West Nile virus.
This myth may lead people to have some false sense of security about their chances of being infected. Although poor health may be considered a high risk factor for contracting the West Nile disease, it is not the only one. Other risk factors include being outdoors all of the time. People who spend more time outdoors find themselves at a higher risk of being infected by the West Nile virus. Being outdoors, especially sometime during dusk or dawn hours, can increase the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes and therefore the risk of being bitten by a virus infected insect.
Repellents containing DEET are not safe.
This myth may lead people to believe that the use of DEET might be dangerous. This mistake leaves them open to the risk of being infected by the West Nile virus. Actually the use of DEET Repellents is even recommended for use as long as the correct instructions are being followed. DEET Repellents are considered as very effective in warding off mosquitoes and therefore the threat of West Nile virus infection.