Mosquitoes, which become carriers by feeding on birds, can cause deadly diseases such as meningitis. Saying that there is no vaccine or drug that prevents the disease, Bayındır İçerenköy Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Fatma Nur Özdogan, advises, “Remove mosquitoes with lemon eucalyptus tree oil to avoid getting sick. If you travel frequently, be more careful in your area. If you have symptoms related to the disease, you should definitely consult a doctor” .
It can have serious consequences
Mosquitoes seen in the autumn period when the weather is above seasonal normals, They negatively affect public health due to the West Nile Virus they carry. Mosquitoes, which become carriers by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus, transmit the virus to people and other animals they bite. As a result of the bite of flies, West Nile fever is caused by viruses in the arbovirus group. Although it is seen in high rates, sometimes pregnancy, childbirth or lactation It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during breastfeeding, through blood donation, organ transplantation and exposure in the laboratory.
Outdoor workers are at risk
According to experts; The virus, which was first detected in North America in 1999 and has spread in the USA and Canada since then, was found in 48 states in the USA. The virus, which is also seen in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, parts of Asia and Africa, showed a wide geographical distribution. Stating that those who live in areas with mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus and those who travel to these areas are at risk, Expert Dr. Fatma Nur Özdogan; said, “The risk of contracting the disease increases, especially since people who work outdoors or participate in outdoor activities will be more exposed to mosquito attacks” .
Beware of fever-vomiting and diarrhea symptoms
Stating that the symptoms of the disease may differ from person to person, Özdoğan “Even though the incubation period of the virus after a mosquito bite is 2-14 days, , often 2-6 days. This period may be longer in people whose immune systems are affected for certain medical reasons. Most people (70-80%) infected with the virus have no symptoms. Some people develop a febrile illness. About 1 in 5 infected people may develop fever along with other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, joint pains, headaches, body aches or rash. Most people recover completely from this type of West Nile Fever, but fatigue and weakness may persist for weeks or months” .
May have fatal consequences
Experts state that some people may experience severe symptoms as well as mild symptoms. According to experts, who emphasized that less than 1% ‘encephalitis’ (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) may develop in less than 1% of people infected with the virus, the neurological disease symptoms are as follows: Shows: Headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Again, recent studies show that recovery from this severe disease may take several weeks or months, while some neurological damage may be permanent. While approximately 10% of patients who develop a neurological picture due to West Nile virus die, individuals with certain health problems such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney diseases are at greater risk for serious illness.
Avoid flies to prevent disease
In order to diagnose a virus in patients, such as blood and spinal fluid tests based on clinical signs and symptoms special laboratory tests are carried out. These tests typically detect antibodies produced by the immune system against the viral infection. There is no vaccine to be used to prevent West Nile Fever and to treat it after it is infected. Painkillers-fever reducers can be used to reduce the effect of some symptoms such as pain and to reduce fever. Some patients with mild symptoms typically resolve spontaneously, while some symptoms may persist for several weeks. More severe cases usually require hospitalization for medical care and supportive treatments.
Natural protection shield with lemon and eucalyptus oil
Things to do to prevent mosquito bites, which is the most effective way to prevent disease:
– Before going outside, use insect repellent products such as DEET, picaradin, IR3535 and some lemon eucalyptus tree oil and para-menthane-diol.
– Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when most mosquitoes are most active.
– Install mosquito nets on your doors and windows or repair existing ones, use air conditioning if available.
– To help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your accommodation; Empty the water that has accumulated in the planter, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet and bird water and food containers.
– If you feel sick, consult your doctor or a health care provider immediately. Be sure to inform your doctor about your trip.
– Take Acetaminophen for your fever and pain. Avoid pain relievers containing aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the bleeding tendency.
– Prevent the spread of disease by avoiding more mosquito bites.
