West
Nile virus
West
Nile virus –
Is the prevention worse than the disease?
By
Dana Cox
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How
West Nile virus is contracted
West Nile is a member of the arbovirus
family, transmitted by adult mosquitoes.
The mosquito is merely a vector, however.
Birds actually host the virus and
the mosquito must first suck blood
from an infected bird and then “bite”
again after an incubation period of
5 to 15 days to transmit the virus
to humans and animals. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), less than one percent
of those infected with West Nile virus
will develop severe illness.”
As with many viruses, those hardest
hit include people with compromised
immune systems, and seniors. |
With the virus
expected to hit California this summer,
municipalities continent-wide are planning
anti-mosquito activities. Concerned Americans
are meeting resistance from mosquito abatement
districts – agents contracted by
local government to make and execute recommendations
regarding the mosquito problem in their
areas. While many have switched from using
organo-phosphate pesticides to synthetic
pyrethoids, even these pesticides are
cause for great concern, says Shawnee.
Part of the problem is not only with the
pyrethoid itself, but with the inert ingredients
which make up the majority (approx. 90%)
of the product. “You’re getting
exposed to the pyrethoids, which we believe
are endocrine disruptors, and to the petroleum
distillates, which are carcinogenic and
have been linked to birth defects and
other illnesses.” Other toxicology
testing reports show adverse chronic effects,
including effects on the liver and thyroid.
If you add DEET into the mix, as many
municipalities are doing through newspaper
and radio promotion campaigns to help
prevent mosquito contact, the picture
looks more dismal. “Researchers
found that a combined exposure to DEET
and pyrmethrin can lead to serious memory
dysfunction, learning and motor deficits,”
says Shawnee. So what’s the alternative
to spraying? Shawnee says the more environmentally
sensitive communities are using mosquito
larva-eating fish and larvacides, specifically
Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis
(B.t.i.), rather than adulticides. B.T.i.
pellets are dropped into ponds and basins
to eliminate mosquito larvae and are considered
less toxic to humans and wildlife. She
also stresses the need for individuals
to mosquito-manage their own properties
and use safe natural repellent prevention
(e.g. products containing geraniol, citronella,
or catnip – reapply throughout the
day). Also, find out what your local government
has planned for your community. If you
don’t like it, take steps to let
them know. Beyond Pesticides offers an
organizing packet to assist you. Call
Shawnee Hoover at 202-543-5450 for more
information.
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Published
in the June/July 2005 issue of Animal
Wellness
|
