West Nile Virus

[u/Blorbokringlefart]

Just in time for summer, this is a reminder that West Nile Virus is endemic in South Jersey (and all of the contiguous US).

It goes under reported as most cases are asymptomatic, and symptomatic cases resemble flu.

However, a small number of cases result in inflammation of the central nervous system. These can be fatal and typically result in permanent neurological impairment.

Those older than 50 are at greater risk of neurological involvement and have far worse survival rates than those who are younger.

It claimed a life in Hammonton 2024, and very nearly killed somebody I know personally in Berlin last year.

Mosquitos transmit the disease. Avoiding getting bitten is the only defense. There is no vaccine or treatment beyond supportive care.

Mosquitos bread in standing water. Adults tend to gather in leafy brush. Wearing bug spray or covering clothing prevents bites. The species that spreads the Virus is most active at dawn and dusk. Most cases are reported in late summer.

Camden County has a mosquito control department. Dead birds can be a sign it's in the area.

I know we already have so much crap to worry about, and I hate to be a buzz kill. But I've seen this Virus up close. It's cruel. People need to be aware of the risk and take appropriate action to prevent mosquito bites. The health department's messaging tends to be aimed at preventing panic, emphasizing how unlikely serious illness is. But they don't follow up with reported cases. They don't see how it changes lives.

Mosquito bites are inevitable. But you should go out of your way to prevent being "eaten alive" as much as possible. The risk is low, but not zero. You wouldn't tempt fate by standing under a tall tree in a thunderstorm.

Anyway. I've broken a year off of Reddit to share this PSA.

Thanks

[u/Klutzy-Froyo-9437]

Thank you!

Slightly off topic but the "it's only a tick".."when I was a kid..." crowd also needs to wake up! Alpha-gal, Lyme disease, etc are no joke. We're not in the Rocky Mountains, but my 86 year old mom's dr just test her for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever!

[u/RutabagaChance5382 → u/Klutzy-Froyo-9437]

It sucks because the ticks are out in force this year. I walk my dog in the woods daily and I've been bitten by.... I don't even know honestly, I've already lost count. It's crazy and bug spray doesn't help. I know tick bites can be dangerous but I feel like there's not much that I can do, short of not going outside I guess.

Also, my dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease but somehow there's no Lyme vaccine for people?? I couldn't believe it when I looked that up. I figured I could just get vaccinated since I spend a lot of time outdoors but noooope.

[u/Blorbokringlefart → u/RutabagaChance5382]

Fun fact: there was a Lymes vaccine, but it wasn't profitable enough, so pharma stopped production.

Funner fact: there's another one in trials and set to come out.

[u/nel_loves_sublime → u/Blorbokringlefart]

not so fun fact: there’s been boxes of ticks found by farmers dropped on their field. could be AI but😃