One man is sharing a harrowing story about a life-threatening battle that began because of a tiny mosquito.
In 2007, David Hancock from Glendale, Arizona, suddenly fell very ill with a fever and vomiting. It took doctors ten days to identify his condition by the time he reached the hospital. During that period, he lapsed into a coma, experienced heart failure, had fluid buildup in his lungs, and suffered brain inflammation. He recalled, “I was on the other side, with one foot in the other world,” as he recounted his experience with the West Nile virus, which can spread to humans via mosquito bites.
Why should we be concerned about the West Nile virus? While many people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms, about one in five may experience flu-like symptoms along with body aches, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. For some, like Hancock, the repercussions can be significantly more severe. Each year, over 1,300 Americans with the virus develop serious illnesses that impact their central nervous systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tragically, more than 130 of those cases result in death.
Currently, cases of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika are on the rise. Warmer global temperatures are allowing mosquitoes to expand into new areas and extend their active periods. In fact, various places in the U.S. saw notable increases in West Nile virus cases this year. Bell County in Texas recorded six positive tests in just six weeks, while a spike in Utah led to a reported death. Across the country, case reports in September were 40% above the usual rate.
What’s being done about these mosquito-borne illnesses? One of the most effective ways to stay healthy is by preventing mosquito bites. The CDC suggests using insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long and loose-fitting clothing outdoors, and employing strategies to manage mosquito populations both indoors and outdoors. Numerous agencies engage in mosquito control efforts, which can include community spraying when necessary. Additionally, some cities and counties are trying innovative methods for control; for example, one Florida county is sterilizing male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using X-rays.
