As of August 7th, the mosquito-borne pathogen has killed 5 people in Louisiana.  However, in the past several days the virus has been found in animals and birds of 34 states.  The rapid spread of the illness will probably make this year's outbreak the worst ever and a real threat to America's public health.

Symptoms of the virus begin 3 to 15 days after infection with a 1 in 150 infected people becoming seriously ill.  Most have only a mild fever, body aches, maybe a rash, and possible swollen lymph nodes.  But people who are elderly or have underlying health problems may get very sick with a swelling of the brain called encephalitis.  They may develop a high fever, neck stiffness, headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, and in sever cases the victim may slip into a coma and die.

There are several things that emergency first responders and their families can do to reduce or eliminate the mosquito bites that potentially cause the West Nile virus.  The CIPIC advises that senior leaders participate in the "fight the bite" program to protect their personnel at department stations as well as at private residences.  As appropriate and warranted, ensure all all personnel comply with the following recommended basic measures:

• Stay indoors if possible during the early morning and early/late evening.
• Keep apparatus bay doors closed during these times.  (Do so also to deter unwanted or suspicious  intruders.)
• Remove water collecting in buckets, bowls, cans gutters, tires, ditches, etc. (Mosquito larvae have been found even in overturned soda bottle caps.)
• Use screens on windows and doors opened for air ventilation.
• Repair holes in window and door screens.
• Cover exposed skin with long, loose clothing if going out.
• Spray clothing and exposed skin with an insecticide containing 35% DEET if going out.  (Children should use only a 10% DEET concentration.)