Health Officials Urge Caution As West Nile Virus Spreads

The calendar may say its September, a month when winter weather is not unheard of in Wyoming.

But officials with the Wyoming Department of Health are warning Wyoming residents to be aware that West Nile Virus is still a threat. The virus is carried by mosquitos and is usually transmitted through mosquito bites.

That's according to a WDH News Release. So far this year 11 people in Wyoming have been reported with the virus. Six of them became severely ill and one died. The virus has infected people and animals across the state, but the problem is more severe in eastern Wyoming.

The virus was found in both the Cheyenne and Laramie areas earlier this summer. Cheyenne Weed and Pest in late June characterized the Cheyenne virus activity as "unusually high."

While most people infected with the virus don't develop any symptoms and never know they are sick. About one in five will develop mild symptoms like fever, headache and body aches. But a very small number can become seriously ill, including brain and spinal chord inflammation. Severe symptoms can include coma, disorientation, numbness and paralysis.

How To Protect Yourself From West Nile Virus

The WDH is urging people to take the following steps to protect themselves:

• Drain standing water – Mosquitoes lay eggs in shallow, standing water. Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs around your home by draining standing water and removing objects that collect water. This includes keeping gutters cleaned and free of debris.
• Control mosquito larvae – Use larvicides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, in water that does not drain, including ornamental ponds and water features. Always follow product instructions. 
• Use window screens – Mosquitoes may try to come indoors. Use tightly-fitted screens in windows to prevent them from entering. 
• Keep lawns trimmed and weed-free – Mosquitoes use tall grass and weeds as resting spots. Keep grass trimmed and weeds removed to keep mosquitoes away.
• Use insect repellent – When spending time outdoors, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved repellent containing DEET, picardin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always follow label instructions when applying insect repellents. Many repellents are safe for children and babies and wash off at bathtime. 
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants – Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors. Treating outdoor clothing with permethrin can add an extra layer of protection. 
• Avoid dawn and dusk – Mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active during dawn and dusk. Avoid being outdoors during these times.
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