Oct
28
Common Misconceptions of West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus infection is a serious condition that should neither be ignored nor brushed off as a simple disease because in severe cases, this infection may lead to the development of human brain inflammation. With this fact comes the realization that we have to combat the West Nile Virus as a community.
Nevertheless, our efforts in fighting the West Nile Virus cannot be furthered unless we learn to separate fact from fiction; the valid information from the hearsays.
Here are some of the common misconceptions about the West Nile Virus, and the reality that counters these:
The West Nile Virus is an infection that we can do nothing about
Fact #1: We can do many things to reduce the risks of being contracted with the West Nile Virus. First, we can minimize our susceptibility to mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents. Second, we can opt to stay indoors during the prime of mosquitoes, which is during dusk and dawn.
Next, we can clean our homes and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. And lastly, we can have our screens and windows fixed to keep our homes safe from mosquitoes.
Kids are the most likely targets of West Nile Virus infection
Fact #2: Adults who are over 50 are at even greater risks of contracting a West Nile Virus infection than kids. This is due to the fact that the immune system of older people is too weak to fight off the West Nile Virus infection.
In fact, most of the reported cases of death due to the West Nile Virus are the older adults. In contrast, relatively few children have been infected with the West Nile Virus.
Poor Health is the only risk factor in contracting the West Nile Virus infection
Fact #3: There are other factors that could lead to the contraction of the West Nile Virus infection. Age, lifestyle and sanitation of residence are also risk factors that should be considered.
Repellents may ward off mosquitoes, but they are hazardous to our health
Fact #4: Repellents are widely used and as such, it is subjected to a variety of tests to ensure the safety of the general public who uses it. Repellents are safe to use, as long as it is used as instructed.
Having a mosquito control program in our community will suffice as a preventive measure against the West Nile Virus, thus, repellents are no longer necessary
Fact #5: Having a mosquito control program in your community is not a guarantee that your area is mosquito-free. Therefore, it is still best to accomplish all the preventive measures that can be done in order to ward off from mosquitoes, especially those that carry the West Nile Virus infection.
The facts about the West Nile Virus are easily accessible. It is up to us to keep ourselves informed. After all, knowledge is power and that power, at this point, is indispensable to us.