Health officials advise how to protect yourself from West Nile | News

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Cases of the West Nile virus across the U.S. are about three times higher than normal for this time of year. There are 12 cases confirmed in Alabama.

With the case numbers across the country on the rise, should people in the Tennessee Valley be worried? Officials at the Madison County Health Department say no, but to be prepared anyway.

"Most people don't know that they have it," said Debra Williams at the Madison County Health Department.  "Some people are completely asymptotic and have no symptoms. Others, it may be flu like symptoms like fever, rash, even vomiting and diarrhea can be part of it."

Williams said there have not been any confirmed cases in the area, but people still need to take precautions.

"So the things you need to think about are to make sure you're watching for mosquito bites and recognize it's been a hot summer," Williams said.  "The mosquitoes are hefty out there even though we are spraying for them."

 If you're outside with exposed arms and legs, Williams said you should be spraying too.

"You need to be wearing long sleeves long pants when you go outside. Use insecticide with deet in it. Stay out of the outside as much as you can at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes will bite the most," she said.

There is no cure or vaccination for West Nile. 

Williams said following those rules should curb the number of infections until cooler weather arrives.

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