Tips for avoiding potentially serious mosquito-borne illnesses
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States—and this summer, cases are rising unusually early. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the country has recorded its highest number of West Nile cases this early in the season since 2004.
This summer, cases of West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, are rising unusually early according to the CDC. Of the 48 cases reported as of June 30, 38 involved severe neurologic disease. While most people infected with West Nile virus don't feel sick, about 1 in 5 develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
Adults 60 and older and people with certain underlying health conditions face the greatest risk of severe illness. The early surge in West Nile cases may be linked to warmer and drier conditions that favor mosquito breeding. Another mosquito-borne threat is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which is the deadliest insect-borne viral disease in North America.
Despite only about seven people contracting EEE each year in the United States, about one-third of those infections are fatal. The key to staying safe from these diseases is protection, including the use of mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
Brief written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
