Senior Listening

 


With summer finally upon us, mosquitoes are bound to be out in full force. The elderly are very susceptible to West Nile Virus (WNV) which mosquitoes carry. West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.

People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as a fever and aches that pass on their own, although illness may last weeks to months even in healthy persons. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually serve headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.

There is currently no vaccine available to protect against WNV. Humans cannot pass on the disease, so the best prevention is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Ways to prevent this would be to cover as much skin as possible, use a mosquito repellent with at least 10 percent concentration of DEET. Mosquitoes are more plentiful at dawn and dusk, so try and avoid those times of day to be outside.

Mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. Reducing these areas will also help with the control of mosquitoes. Check and remove stagnant water from around the home and avoid camping near lakes and ponds. Turn over pails and watering cans and store them under shelters can prevent them from filling up with water when not in use.

You should also report any dead birds as they are carriers of West Nile Virus.

For more information on how our Area Agency on Aging can help you, please call 406-345-2120.

 

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