West Nile virus was first detected in Fairfax County in 2000 and since then it has almost constantly been around in that area.
The county website recently posted reminder on their website that the west nile virus is still active and advised public to take all possible mosquito precautions.
Infection with WNV can be asymptomtic (no symptoms), or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.
Symptoms are flu like with fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
The symptoms of severe disease are from brain involvement (encephalitis). These include headache, neck stiffness, altered sensorium and convulsions.
Luckily 80% of the infections are asymptomatic.
Preventing mosquito bites:
Use a repellent containing DEET (Look for: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. (Remember mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing) Spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET gives extra protection. (It is not safe to use permethrin directly on skin however.)
Decrease moquito breeding:
Drain standing water from around your home. Install moquito proof door and window screens.
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