What to Expect from West Nile virus? Could it be an epidemic in Los Angeles?

Did you know that the city of Los Angeles is one of the most infested with mosquitoes? Fever, body aches, and headaches are some of the symptoms caused by the West Nile virus

Aedes Aegypti, Mosquito carrier of West Nile fever, Dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.Pexels-Pixabay

We might believe that mosquito-borne diseases are more common in cities like Miami; according to Orkin's pest control company, Los Angeles is the city with the most mosquitoes nationwide.

In addition to their unpleasant sound and annoying bite, Mosquitoes can transmit many diseases, including the West Nile virus.

"Orkin's Top 50 Mosquito Cities list ranks metro areas by the number of mosquito customers served from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021."

West Nile virus is a disease that is not always symptomatic; in fact, 80% of those who suffer from it are not, but as the World Health Organization indicates, People who come to present symptoms may suffer from fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash and enlarged lymph nodes. Although only 1 in 150 people can develop West Nile encephalitis or meningitis (when the disease worsens), its consequences can be dangerous, its symptoms: severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, weakness, and paralysis.

West Nile Virus in Los Angeles

A pleasant climate all year round, houses with a courtyard and gardens where small water wells can accumulate, and thousands of homeless people with poor hygiene are some of the possible scenarios for the birth and spread of a mosquito. We add the high temperatures that exist today, making people more exposed and prone to being bitten.

New York, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, and Arkansas were the first states to alert the presence of the virus this year, on the report published by BestLife. Still, according to a published Los Angeles Times, the first death has already occurred in Orange County, so Angelenos should be cautious and alert to any case reported in the city, in addition to taking the precautions that are in their hands to avoid mosquito bites.

"West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurs every year during the summer months and continues into the fall," said Dr. Clayton Chau, acting county health officer, in a statement earlier. of this summer. "The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites."

Who are the highest risk

The MedlinePlus website informs us who are the people with the highest risk of complications, among these are:

• People with HIV / AIDS.
• People with organ transplants.
• People with recent chemotherapy.
• Older or very young age.
• Pregnancy.

What can we do?

Scent against mosquitoesRonald Langeveld Unsplash

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the last epidemic registered in The United States was in 2019, with 971 deaths. We still do not have a vaccine for the virus, nor a specific treatment, so while we wait for the corresponding organizations to create a vaccine or the appropriate drugs, we as citizens must be proactive and do what is in our power to protect ourselves, some tips are:

1. Avoid the minimum accumulation of stagnant water in any container that is not there since the mosquito needs very little water for its reproduction.
2. Put protective screens on doors and windows.
3. Use of repellants, as long as they make sure that they are not harmful to health.
4. Use of fragrances that repel mosquitoes, for example, based on citronella.
5. If necessary, cover yourself with clothing that will prevent the sting.
6. Take extra care around children and the elderly.
7. Above all, stay informed about any advance of this virus.

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