West Nile Virus: An Ounce of Prevention

By Jay Schukman, M.D., chief medical officer, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--How do you know if the mosquitoes buzzing around you are dangerous? This particular offending mosquito is very distinctive; spots and stripes, black and white. It came here from Asia and as a result, the first cases of West Nile (WNV) virus appeared in NYC, in 1999. While this mosquito has now spread to the southern U.S. (including Virginia), other local mosquitoes have now become carriers by either biting infected humans and/or birds, and then transferring the virus to others by biting them.

In the vast majority of cases, the illness is so mild it may not be noticeable at all. For some however, it can cause a mild flu-like illness, but for others it can invade the brain and cause a more severe illness or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a total of 1,590 reported cases of WNV in the United States, resulting in 66 reported deaths. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has currently identified 13 confirmed cases of the WNV in our state – which is a little higher than in years past.

There is no vaccine to prevent against the WNV however persons who are bitten and contract the illness will develop immunity to the virus. The illness does not spread from human to human directly, but requires a bite from a mosquito that carries the virus.

So, we know that the virus is here, what can you do?

First, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting (usually at dusk or dawn), or if you need to be out, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. Also avoid marshy wet areas as they are areas where mosquitoes breed and develop. Keep doors and windows open only when necessary as local mosquitoes, that also now carry the virus, can enter your home. Place screens over you windows and doors if they need to be open. Place mosquito netting over infant strollers or baby carriages when outside.

Secondly, check outside your home to make sure you don’t have environments that are known breeding grounds for mosquitoes. For example, standing water in a bucket or baby pool or even in a small can or tire can attract mosquitoes, and that is where they will lay their eggs, breeding more mosquitoes. Make sure to remove those items and/or empty the water.

Apply insect repellant if you need to be outdoors for any length of time. Be especially careful when applying repellant on children. Avoid applying it to their hands as it can get in their eyes and mouth. And, as a reminder, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30 percent DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than two months.

With the WNV, an ounce of prevention can save your life and the lives of your family members.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMO HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.