As the warm season is here, the risk for mosquito-borne diseases has increased and West Nile virus is one of them. The West Nile season usually begins in April and lasts until September, but due to warm and wet weather this year, the first cases of West Nile virus had been reported as early as March 19. Therefore, the number of infections has increased four times compared with the same period of the last year when they reached 25.

The disease was first detected in New York in 1999 and it spread to 33 states in three years.

West Nile virus is carried by birds and it is transmitted when a mosquito bites the infected bird and then bites a person, animal or another bird.

Most people infected with the virus usually show no symptoms. Some will develop flu-like symptoms. Less than 1 percent could develop a headache, paralysis, and other brain or spinal cord illnesses.

According to specialists in the field, the areas that favor mosquito population growth are standing waters, including swimming pools left abandoned. One way of counteracting the rapid spread of these mosquitoes is by inserting mosquito-fish populations into the water (which feed on mosquito larva). People should know that authorities provide programs that include fogging and applying larvicide on public properties.

Health officials blame foreclosures for the majority of West Nile infections, abandoned pools being identified through aerial photography. Therefore, people should inform authorities on every abandoned pool or house, which could benefit mosquito growth. Also, they must inspect their properties for standing water and remove the sources.

The situation is the more difficult as a mosquito needs 10 days to hatch into an adult and can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. That’s why authorities emphasize the need to thoroughly look for any place favoring water standing.

Besides taking care of their properties, people should also try to protect themselves by using insect repellent and avoiding late night outdoor activities. Still if they‘re outside, they should wear long-sleeved shirts, socks and long pants. If inside, they should make sure window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.