1 St Human Death from West Nile Virus reported in IN

Here is the link to the story that's appearing in the Evansville Courier and Press this morning.

[URL]http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/sep/20/second-w-nile-case-reported-in-county/[/URL]

This stuff can kill people. Not everyone who gets West Nile Virus will get this sick but it can disable people.

One thing that helps keep these mosquitoes at bay is Deet and I have found that using a ThermaCELL device helps if there is not a lot of wind. High winds can render the ThermaCELL device useless as the high winds disperse the insect repellent making it much less effective in keeping the mosquitoes away from the area. But if there are light winds or no winds this device is suppose to keep the mosquitoes at bay for a area of 15 feet around the device. It takes about 15 minutes of heating time before the area is cleared of mosquitoes.

Use bug spray if you go outside during peak mosquito times. That's right at dusk and dawn.

West Nile is spread by infected mosquitoes when they bite infected birds and pick up the virus and then turn around and bite a human. Birds are a carrier for this virus and can be killed by the virus also.

If you spend a lot of time in an area where there are a lot of migratory birds you may be more susceptible to this disease. That's because area like Water Fowl Refuges may harbor a lot more migratory birds that can carry the virus from Canada all the way down to Louisiana and back.

If you are like me and spend a lot of time outdoors around these fish and wildlife areas make sure to protect yourself. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Just a word to the wise here.