Healthcare facilities across the United States are on high alert for the presence of a virus that has been spreading rapidly to several states across the country.
Cases of a dangerous mosquito-borne disease have been reported from Alabama and New York. This virus, known as eastern equine encephalitis, is transmitted to humans from these animals.
Therefore, the reported cases showed various symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue and muscle pain. However, experts say that this disease can be fatal in advanced stages, as high fever, body stiffness and seizures can lead to death.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, weather is the primary reason for the spread of this virus. The temperature fluctuations have given free rein to the evolution of the mosquitoes responsible for this situation. The result is that certain counties lack vaccines or specialized treatments to treat the cases, leading to greater vulnerability.
Everyone is susceptible to infection, but the population under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 can be most affected, making them the high-risk group. The virus can also have negative consequences for horses.
In most cases, there are no symptoms at first, and the infection can be asymptomatic until cleared automatically. However, recently there have been cases in which the situation was not like this, but the patients had the symptoms mentioned above.
On the other hand, based on data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of patients who develop encephalitis end up fatal. Patient death usually occurs between two and ten days after symptoms appear, but it can occur much later.
In the absence of vaccines to prevent contagion, experts recommend encouraging self-care through the use of insect repellents, wearing clothing that does not expose multiple areas (avoid short-sleeved shirts or shorts), and implementing appropriate control measures. in the presence of insects in houses (avoid standing water or maintaining humidity).
The appearance of mosquitoes is noticeable at dawn and dusk, so effective care must be taken at these times. In addition, the authorities fumigate the region weekly against mosquitoes, so that the risk of infection is significantly reduced.
The following recommendations are also made for the population:
- To protect yourself from mosquito bites at home, the best way is to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Install fly screens on windows, doors, vents, and chimneys.
- Use surface bug sprays both inside and outside the home to kill mosquitoes.
- Apply an effective mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoulamide (DEET) to all exposed skin.
- Eliminate standing water around the house to keep mosquitoes from breeding.
- Change the water in pet drinking bowls, bird baths, and vases at least once a week.
- Check and maintain rainwater tanks and water storage tanks to ensure screens are intact and limit mosquito entry.
