OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As moisture starts settling and the temperatures start rising, it creates the perfect recipe for the unwelcomed return of mosquitoes. The pesky blood-suckers carry a disease known as the West Nile Virus which is created when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, and then bites a human. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 30 cases of West Nile Virus in 2021 with one case being fatal.

According to Tara Schmitz, a pharmacist at Tara’s Thrifty White Pharmacy, not everyone who is infected with the virus will show symptoms. Schmitz tells of the warning signs when someone may be infected.

According to Schmitz, symptoms may not occur for up to 14 days from when the person becomes infected. Long term complications are rare, but they can lead to brain damage, permanent muscle weakness and even death, if not treated right away.

The key to avoid infection is prevention, Schmitz said. She talked about the best ways to prevent the West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes love standing water. Examples of areas they reside the most in the everyday person’s backyard  include bird baths, clogged roof gutters, plant saucers, unused swimming pools and puddles.

If you are bitten by a mosquito and it becomes inflamed, the best medicine to use is hydrocortisone cream which helps reduce itching and swelling, according to Schmitz. She continued by saying if you notice any symptoms of West Nile Virus to seek medical attention immediately.

For the full interview with Schmitz, listen here: