Cristina Hodgson
THE Official College of Veterinary Surgeons of Cadiz has asked the population for caution and collaboration in the face of the arrival of the West Nile virus in the province.
It comes after a 59-year-old with no health problems died from West Nile virus in the province on Tuesday after the death of an 87-year-old woman on Monday.
The following preventative measures have been advised by the experts in order to prevent infection:
- Use of mosquito nets on doors and windows.
- Do no turn on interior lights at dusk.
- Avoid walks between dawn and dusk.
- Avoid walks at any time in areas of scrub, wetlands and waterlogged areas.
- Use correct body hygiene and avoid strong perfumes.
- Use clothing that cover well.
- Use insect repellents in a rational and responsible way.
- Carry out correct hibernation of swimming pools and ponds with adequate pool chemistry set at proper levels.
According to the Regional Ministry of Health there are four cases of West Nile Fever officially declared in Cadiz.
The College of Veterinary Surgeons has informed that after the mosquito bite, the incubation period is three to 14 days and the viral phase is four to eight days.
There are no vaccines against the disease in humans, with the treatment involving the administration of analgesics.
If symptoms become serious, the patient must seek hospital assistance.
The Veterinary Association highlights that not all mosquitoes are infected and that not all people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will contract the virus.
80% of those infected are asymptomatic and only a small part of this percentage suffer encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
