Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2013 12:01 am
Waco Tribune-Herald
Monday will mark the one-year anniversary of my grandfather's death. Raymond Finn was the first death in McLennan County because of the West Nile virus.
The lesson behind his passing is no less relevant now than a year ago. It remains important to protect yourself and your property from mosquitoes. Don't take the chance of spending time outside without spraying yourself (with DEET) and preparing your yard before outdoor gatherings, as well as wearing light-colored clothing.
Plants such as lemon grass, thyme, basil, rosemary, citronella grass and marigolds give off fragrances that are unappealing to many insects, including mosquitoes.
Essential oils are an effective alternative to DEET when applied externally on your skin and clothing. These include lemon eucalyptus oil, vanilla extract oil and lavender oil.
To keep mosquitoes to a minimum, eliminate their breeding sites on your property. They need standing water to lay their eggs in, so empty tires, cans, buckets, plant pots or anything that holds water. Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet dishes at least twice a week to prevent mosquitoes. And don't forget to check the rain gutters.
One should also be aware of symptoms of West Nile infection: fatigue, fever, headache, body aches, rash and swollen lymph nodes. Those who become ill may develop West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
With the rise in West Nile virus, avoiding mosquitoes becomes a necessity for anyone who wishes to enjoy the outdoors. Remembering to apply mosquito repellent regularly is important no matter which method you choose. With a little care and prevention, you can continue to enjoy the outdoors.
Donna Wiley is the granddaughter of 88-year-old Raymond Finn, a Bellmead resident who died last summer after being hospitalized for what officials eventually determined was a severe form of the mosquito-borne West Nile neuroinvasive disease. She lives in Waco.
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