Seniors should take protective measures against mosquitoes

Summers in South Mississippi can be tough for some seniors as the heat index often soars above 100 degrees.

Summer also brings more mosquitoes, the pesky insects that could pose some health threats to seniors.

In the U.S., mosquitoes have been known to spread West Nile, Zika, Chickungunya and other encephalitis-causing viruses.

The Zika virus has been making headlines recently for the damage it can cause to the fetuses of pregnant mothers. But according to the AARP, the virus also poses a threat to older adults.

Seniors bitten by Zika mosquitoes can develop Guillain-Barre, which is a rare syndrome where the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system. In some cases, the syndrome could lead to paralysis.

There have been five confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the state in 2016. So far, there have been no confirmed cases in Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties.

West Nile is another concern when it comes to mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile occurs when a mosquito infected with the virus bites a person. It can cause encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain, and meningitis. In some cases, it can be fatal.

The CDC said a large percentage of people who are infected with the virus do not show any symptoms. There also is no vaccine to prevent the virus. Most cases of the virus are seen from June to September.

The Mississippi Department of Health said there have only been four confirmed cases of West Nile in 2016. In 2015, there were 38 confirmed cases and one death in the state. There have been no reports of West Nile in any of the three coastal counties.

According to the MDH, the best way to avoid the risk of infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. This can be done by wearing sleeves and pants outside, using mosquito repellent with the active ingredient DEET and eliminating standing water around the home.

This story was originally published July 13, 2016 at 5:09 AM with the headline "Seniors should take protective measures against mosquitoes."