West Nile Virus
Take precautions, even though the risk is low
Until the summer of 1999, mosquitoes were only reputed to be the world's most irritating insect. But since the arrival of the West Nile Virus in North America, mosquitoes now strike a fearful buzz in our ears.
May 26, 2004 marked this season's very first reported case of the West Nile Virus in New Mexico. Cottage-goers shuddered in their Speedos at the possibility of another campfire season confined to long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Government agencies find themselves in a predicament because North Americans either take the West Nile Virus too seriously or not seriously enough. The reality is that WNV isn't going to condemn you to a summer pent up indoors, but we must be prepared to take precautions against mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus.
Did You Know?
After a blood meal is digested and the eggs are laid, the female mosquito again seeks a blood meal to produce a second batch of eggs. Depending on her stamina and the weather, she may repeat this process many times without mating again.
The truth is that in areas where the West Nile Virus has been detected, only 1% of mosquitoes are actually infected. Even though the risk of contracting the WNV is low, North Americans should mosquito-proof their yards and themselves to lessen the risk.
We hope the following pages help you create a mosquito-free - and disease-free - summer!
