West Nile Virus In Reading: What You Should Know

Since officials have announced that mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus were found on the southeast side of Reading on August 11, residents have been advised to be extra cautious to avoid being bitten.

However, while the warnings should be taken seriously, the threat should not be exaggerated. Here's what you need to know:

Officials say the risk level is only "moderate."

These risk levels change regularly over the course of a season, and they're helpful for making sure residents are aware of the dangers.

People over the age of 50 are most at risk from the West Nile Virus.

These peopl should take extra precautions to avoid infection, as well as those with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants. However, anyone can be affected by the virus.

Most people who are infected won't even notice.

Only around 1 in 5 people who are infected with the West Nile Virus develop symptoms of infection. A tiny percentage, fewer than 1 percent of people, will develop the most serious symptoms, which include potentially severe and debilitating neurological conditions. Of those who have these symptoms, about 10 percent may die.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash and fatigue.

Signs of a more serious infection include high favers, neck pain, disorientation, seizures, tremors, and paralysis. While mild symptoms may go away shortly, anyone experiencing severe symptoms or who believe they may have been infected with the virus should consult a physician.

Prevention techniques are relatively simple.

Commonsense measures can drastically reduce your chance of catching the virus. Officials advise that residents wear insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants when possible, and stay inside during peak hours for mosquitoes: between dusk and dawn.

Protecting your home is just as important.

Make sure there's no standing water on your property, because that's where where mosquitoes lay their eggs. You should also be careful to repair any broken or damaged window screens to make sure no mosquitoes come inside the home.

Photo credit: Chis Pond via Flickr