Sheppard and Wichita falls combat West Nile season

  • Published
  • 82nd Medical Group
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Summer is finally here, but unfortunately so are the mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are not only pesky, they can also carry serious diseases like the West Nile Virus. Last year, according to medical reports, approximately one-third of all reported U.S. West Nile cases were in Texas, primarily in the Dallas area.

Informing the Public on what West Nile is capable of is seen by many as the key to fighting it.

"We educate the public," said Tech. Sgt. Silvia Garcia, 82nd Medical Group non-commissioned officer in charge of community health.. "It benefits the overall health of the population."

West Nile is caused by a virus and spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus will act like the common flu and can cause fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes. Only 20 percent of people who are infected actually develop symptoms.

Most people typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. A small percentage of people may need to seek medical care if their symptoms increase in severity.

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread the virus to humans and other animals though biting contact. Though, the virus is not transmitted from person-to-person contact.

Currently there is no vaccine available for West Nile. However, over-the-counter medication can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.

According to medical professionals, prevention is the key. Apply insect repellents before going outdoors, avoid being outdoors during dusk and at dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves shirts and pants. Install or repair broken screens on windows and doors, and empty containers that can harbor stagnant water, such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, old tires and birdbaths.

The 82nd MDG Public Health Flight, in collaboration with the Wichita Falls Public Health District, are actively surveying and trapping mosquitoes.

"We work well together," Garcia said. "It just doesn't affect our members on base, it affects our members off base too."

Currently, there have been no reported cases of West Nile on Sheppard AFB or in the city of Wichita Falls. For more information about West Nile, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html or call Public Health at 676-3052. For more information about acceptable insect repellant, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.