How to Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus

How to Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus

As the summer heat intensifies and mosquitoes become more active, so do the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses. These tiny pests can transmit serious diseases that affect humans worldwide. Although not all mosquito bites lead to illness, it's essential to understand the risks and take preventive steps to stay safe.

🦟 Understanding Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying – they’re also disease carriers. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, animal, or person, it can pick up viruses or parasites. If it bites again, it may transfer the infection to another human or animal.

While over 200 species of mosquitoes exist in the U.S., only about 12 can spread diseases to humans.

🌍 Why the Risk Is Growing

Climate change and warming temperatures are expanding the habitat and breeding seasons of mosquitoes.

This results in increased exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses across more regions.

Diseases once found only in tropical regions are now emerging in temperate zones, such as parts of the U.S.

🧬 Top 4 Mosquito-Borne Diseases You Should Know About

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Common in the U.S., especially from June to September.

Transmitted when mosquitoes bite infected birds, then humans.

Symptoms (in 1 in 5 people)

Fever

Headache

Fatigue

Severe cases (1 in 150 people)

Neurological issues

Paralysis

Death

At-risk groups

Adults 60+ years

People with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or weakened immune systems.

Treatment

There is no specific cure or vaccine. Only supportive care.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Rare but deadly. Transmitted from infected birds through mosquitoes.

Mainly found in eastern and Gulf Coast states.

Symptoms (if they occur)

Fever, chills

Muscle/joint pain

Brain inflammation (in severe cases)

Severe outcomes

Around 1 in 3 people with severe EEE die

Survivors may suffer long-term neurological damage

At-risk groups

Children and older adults

Treatment

No vaccine. Medical support for symptom relief only.

Malaria

Caused by a parasite, not a virus.

Common in Africa, Asia, and tropical regions

Though eliminated in the U.S. in the 1950s, sporadic local cases still occur (e.g., Florida, Texas in 2023).

Symptoms

Flu-like: chills, fever, headache

Can become life-threatening if untreated

Treatment

Prescription antimalarial drugs

Preventive medication for travellers to risk areas

A malaria vaccine is available in Africa and is being expanded

Dengue

Known as "breakbone fever" due to severe joint/muscle pain.

Most cases in the U.S. are travel-related, but local transmission is increasing.

Symptoms

Eye pain

Rash

Vomiting

Body aches

In 2025 (so far)

2,096 cases reported in 39 U.S. jurisdictions

Few local transmissions, mainly in U.S. territories

Treatment

No specific cure

Supportive care for pain and hydration

A vaccine exists for certain high-risk children in endemic areas

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

✅ 1. Use Mosquito Repellents

Choose repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Apply to exposed skin and clothing.

✅ Cover Up

Wear long sleeves and pants, especially from dusk to dawn.

Light-colored clothing repels mosquitoes better than dark colours.

✅ Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours

Mosquitoes are most active during sunset and sunrise.

Limit outdoor activity during these hours

✅ Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Weekly, empty or treat

Buckets, flower pots

Birdbaths

Gutters and puddles

✅ Use Window Screens & Nets

Keep windows and doors closed or screened

Use bed nets if you live or travel to high-risk areas

✅ Plan Smart Travel

Before travelling to tropical or subtropical regions

Check CDC alerts

Get recommended vaccines or medications

Pack repellent and protective gear

📉 What’s the Risk Right Now (2025)?

West Nile cases: 16 human cases reported so far (as of June 17) across 11 states

EEE cases: None reported yet in 2025

Malaria: Only sporadic local cases, but global travel poses an ongoing risk.

Dengue: 2,096 cases confirmed in the U.S. this year, mostly from travel.

⚠️ Final Thoughts

While the chances of getting a severe mosquito-borne illness remain relatively low in the U.S., vigilance is key, especially as climate and travel patterns shift. Protecting yourself, your home, and your family from mosquitoes isn’t just about comfort — it’s about preventing dangerous infections.