Don't panic
Why is it that America always needs something to panic about?
First it's the Y2K bug. Then it's anthrax. Or shark attacks. Or kidnappings.
Now it's the West Nile Virus.
Kansans have a special motivation to panic, now that the virus has been confirmed in several counties. One of them is right next door to us, in McPherson County.
So now you should become a hermit. You should stay inside all day and avoid all potential contact with mosquitoes and/or dead birds.
Right?
Not quite.
Of course you want to be careful. But that doesn't mean you need to live your life in fear.
Here are some facts for your consideration.
— The West Nile Virus can only be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not transmitted by touching a dead bird or animal infected with the virus.
— Very few mosquitoes carry the virus, according to health officials.
— If, by some chance, you are bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile, the chances of you becoming seriously ill are one in 150.
That's a probability of just six-tenths of one percent.
— Eighty percent of people infected with West Nile have no symptoms at all.
The truth is a powerful tool. And if we believe the facts presented to us by many health officials, there's little reason to fear.
You can protect yourself by dumping out the stagnant water in your backyard birdbath. Spray on some bug repellent before you head out for the park.
But whatever you do, don't panic!
— JENNIFER WILSON
