TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Bay County and Tyndall Air Force Base residents have recently seen an increase in both West Nile virus and rabies cases.
In the month of July, a human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in Panama City, increasing concern that additional residents will become ill. Additionally, in August there was a raccoon attack on a dog and the raccoon tested positive for rabies. There have been five laboratory-confirmed rabid animals in Bay County in 2018.
According to the Center for Disease Control, most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they will be flu-like; fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
The symptoms for rabies begins with flu-like symptoms that lasts for days. Anxiety, confusion and agitation are also common symptoms. As the disease progresses, the person may experience hallucinations, delirium and insomnia. Once a person begins to exhibit signs of the disease, survival is rare.
People who spend a majority of their time outdoors are the most susceptible to West Nile virus, as well as rabies. In general, the risk for rabies in the United States is low, but within the last year there has been a surge in rabies cases.
“An Airman should report to the closest medical facility as soon as possible if they believe they are infected with West Nile virus,” said Tech. Sgt. Jamie Nazario, 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Community Health Element noncommissioned officer in charge. “If bitten or scratched by an unvaccinated animal or a wild animal, report to the nearest emergency room immediately.”
According to the CDC website, West Nile virus can be avoided by draining standing water, covering skin with clothing or repellent and by covering doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitos out. Rabies can also be prevented by taking measures to avoid attracting wildlife. This includes securing garbage in covered containers and cooking meat thoroughly to 165 degrees. Rabies is mainly spread through animals such as raccoons, bats, bobcats, otters, foxes, skunks and coyotes, so avoiding contact with these animals can significantly curb the risk of infection.
For more information on both West Nile Virus and rabies, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/fs_mosquito_bite_prevention_us.pdf
http://bay.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2018/08/WestNileVirusAlert.html