Protect against mosquito bites, West Nile

A rainy spring means a mosquito-filled summer, and many areas of the country are already seeing the little pests everywhere. Michelle Sweet-Albores, a family doctor with Adventist Midwest Health in Hinsdale, Ill., shared these tips for preventing infestation and infection.

Eliminate standing water

Put the bird bath away for another year. Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Swimming pools are fine, however, as the chemicals in the water should fend off the mosquitoes, Sweet-Albores said.

Stay away from dead birds

Mosquitoes may get the bad press, but birds are just as culpable in the spreading of West Nile, Sweet-Albores said. Mosquitoes actually get the virus from the birds and spread it to humans and other animals. If you see a dead bird in your yard, don’t touch it; call the authorities to pick it up.

Use insect repellent

Sweet-Albores recommends using one with DEET, which simply keeps the mosquitoes away; it doesn’t kill them. Be sure to read the label to find out how high a concentration of DEET you should use according to your age and how long you plan to be outdoors.

Cover up, and go inside

Sitting on the porch on a warm summer evening is appealing, but once the sun goes down, the mosquitoes come out. Going indoors might be the best option. If you must stay out, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and spray them with insect repellent, Sweet-Albores said. And for good measure, light a citronella candle.

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Should I visit my doctor?

Eighty percent of people with West Nile virus never experience symptoms. Of the remaining 20 percent, most experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches.

There is no cure for West Nile virus; it must run its course. People with minor symptoms can’t be helped much by visiting a doctor, Dr. Michelle Sweet-Albores said.

Less than 1 percent of infected people end up with a serious infection, according to mayoclinic.com. More serious symptoms include severe headache, confusion and lack of coordination, the website said. A rash may also be a sign of a more serious case, Sweet-Albores said.

The symptoms should be taken seriously, as they may be signs of something else, Sweet-Albores said. While people shouldn’t panic, they also shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention if they feel they should, she said.

Fly and Mosquito Season – The dangers to your pets | Animal Central

Summer months pose many threats to the health of our pets.  The heat alone poses many dangers; however biting insects carry many threats of their own.  Pet owners must be vigilant during summer months in order to protect their four legged best friends.  The threat of heartworm disease is becoming more prominent across the United States and has the ability to affect both dogs and cats.  This potentially deadly disease is transmitted by mosquitos and is preventable through testing and preventative medications.  Even animals that spend all or a majority of their time indoors are at risk of contracting heartworm disease.  Heartworm treatment is expensive and poses risks of its own to the health of pets, especially dogs.  Without mosquitos the lifecycle of heartworms cannot be completed.  A single bite can transmit this disease to a new host allowing the heartworm cycle to begin again.  Owners can decrease mosquito activity in and around their home by removing standing water which attracts mosquitos by providing a place for egg laying.  Pet water bowls and children’s swimming pools should be scrubbed out and emptied daily in order to remove potential eggs. 

Flies also serve as hazards to the health of our pets.  Sick and aging pets are at increased risk of succumbing to Myiasis, more commonly known as “fly strike”.  Flies are attracted to fecal material, urine, secretions and moist or infected skin.  Flies lay eggs in these substances which upon hatching provides fly larva (maggots) with food.  Fly eggs hatch in as little as 1-3 days.  Maggots immediately begin feeding and while dead or infected tissue is the target of maggots, some do not stop when they reach healthy tissue.  Maggots cause significant destruction in a short amount of time, often sending their host into shock and having the ability to cause death.  Maggot infestations are a medical emergency and require immediate veterinary attention.  Treatment includes removal of the maggots and cleaning of wounds and may also include IV Fluids for treatment of shock, antibiotics and other medications for infection.  Owners frequently find that the infestation is much larger than they originally thought and treatment may be both extensive and expensive.  Owners can prevent infestation by keeping their pet clean and treating medical conditions such as diarrhea immediately.  Removal of pet waste and garbage from the premises also assists in decreasing your pet’s risk of maggot infestation.

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