West Nile and infection pose threat to flood volunteers across Central Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As people across Texas show up in force to help survivors of the July 4th floods, doctors warn they need to take precautions to prevent needing help themselves.
"You want to make sure to take care of yourself and also be safe," said Dr. Kevin Smith, an emergency medicine physician with St. David's Round Rock Medical Center.
According to Dr. Smith, volunteers face the threat of dehydration, severe sunburns and several dangerous viruses. The swampy environments many volunteers are working in serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
"Most of the time, mosquitoes are just carrying local irritants, they're gonna cause swelling and that itchiness kind of classically to your legs," Dr. Smith said.
Outside the United States, mosquitoes carry malaria. In Texas, West Nile Virus is the primary threat. On July 10, Williamson County reported its first case of a human infection this year. Other cases have been reported earlier this summer in other Texas counties.
“Fortunately, most people who contract West Nile virus never develop symptoms, and the risk of getting seriously ill is very low. The best protection is to prevent getting bitten,” said Jason Fritz, integrated vector management program lead.
Dr. Smith said that there are a couple thousand cases of West Nile reported each year. Symptoms are flu-like, but can grow severe if the virus reaches the nervous system.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash (often on the chest and back)
- Swollen lymph nodes
Deadly cases of West Nile are rare and occur mostly in seniors.
Cuts and infections in the floods
The other major threat volunteers are facing is small wounds.
"Our skin does a very good job protecting us from the element, but there's always the possibility that, say, you're wading in sewage water, and you have a small cut on your leg, and suddenly that cut starts to get more red and angry looking," Dr. Smith said.
An infection of this sort can grow serious. To prevent these wounds, Dr. Smith recommends long sleeves and pants that are loose-fitting. For the mosquitoes, pack extra bug spray.
Another concern is mental health. Dr. Smith said that volunteers and survivors should ensure good communication and be open about their struggles.
"There's a lot to consider as our community heals. And so I think being in touch with how you're doing with processing these unsightly and really unimaginable things is number one," Dr. Smith said.