Articles ¬ The Source ¬ West Nile Virus

Summer here in Nova Scotia means longer beautiful days and warm nights, plus the possibility of mosquito bites. In the past few years the news has been reporting that West Nile Virus (WNV) is now starting to show up in the population of mosquitoes here in the Maritimes.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of mosquitoes carry the virus and out of the people who are given the virus by a bite only 20% will experience mild flu like symptoms. Some individuals, particularly the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems, are at risk of having complications, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) . If you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light within five to fifteen days after mosquito bites, you should see your naturopathic or medical doctor.

West Nile can be prevented in three ways; by keeping your immune system strong so that you can fight the virus, not allowing mosquitos a breeding ground and avoidance of mosquito bites.

People for the most part don't get sick from WNV because they don't use the right precautions, they get sick because they have a weakened immune system. Proper nutrition and a well rounded lifestyle full of relaxation, exercise and adequate sleep will help to keep your immune system strong.

Not allowing mosquitoes a place to bread is a very important way to prevent WNV. Standing, stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes (mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days). Remove all containers on your property where rainwater collects or where there is stagnant water. This includes toys around the yard, standing water in old tires, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic covers and drain gutters; Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often; and keep swimming pools treated and circulating.

To minimize your mosquito bites try to limit your time outside when they are most active; at dawn, dusk or in the early evening, especially during days of high heat and humidity. When going outside in the evening, wear long sleeves and light colored long pants with high boots or the pant legs pulled close to the calf, to cover areas that might be bitten. Make sure that window and door screens are bug tight and replace your outdoor lights with yellow bug lights. Alternative bug repellents to commercial DEET formulas should contain essential oils of Eucalyptus, Cedar wood, Tea Tree, Geranium, Lavender or Citronella. It is common practice in Mexico and the Dominican Republic to use a mixture of pure vanilla mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes. Another way to repel mosquitoes would be to plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give off a smell that bugs don't like.

The Canadian Naturopathic Association has issued a position paper on West Nile Virus.

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