Outdoors Aloud! Episode 11

Episode 11: Mountains, Mosquitoes, and Miscellaneous

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Episode 11 and show notes on the next page!

Outdoors Aloud Episode 11 Show Notes

Woods Monkey:

ESEE Knives Lite Machete Review

On the Job Hand Moisturizer and Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo

Thermarest Sleep System Review

Equip 2 Endure Updates:

Ethan Becker Interview Part 1, Equip 2 Endure

Maxpedition Mongo S-Type Review Part 2, Equip 2 Endure

Maxpedition Mongo S-Type Review Part 1, Equip 2 Endure

Firearms Safety and Carry Theory, Equip 2 Endure

Ace the GSD training update, Equip 2 Endure

LA Police Gear Operator Tactical Pants Review, Equip 2 Endure

To Serration or not to Serration, that is the question, Equip 2 Endure

Hedgehog Leatherworks Part 6, Interview with Paul Scheiter- Equip 2 Endure

Hedgehog Leatherworks Part 5, Interview with Paul Scheiter- Equip 2 End

News:

– 13 year old plans to climb Mt. Everest? WTF!

– Here comes the concealed carry conversation!

Survival Spotlight

Mosquitoes and West Nile

West Nile virus is a somewhat recent addition to cautionary conversation in reference to outdoor activity, and like always prevention is your best bet. Avoiding mosquito bites reduces your chances of exposure to the disease, along with several others nasty things you can contract from mosquitoes. Taking preventative measures can greatly reduce your risk.

Let’s identify some basic information in regards to West Nile virus, the man means of transfer of this disease is by mosquitoes. The condition ranges from mild to severe

Symptoms include but not limited too;

Muscle aches
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fever
Headache
Back pain
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite

These symptoms usually last for 3 – 6 days.

With more severe disease, the following symptoms can also occur, and need prompt attention:

Muscle weakness
Stiff neck
Confusion or change in ability to think clearly
Loss of consciousness

Management

That fact that West Nile is a virus a not a bacteria makes treating the disease with antibiotics impossible. Some antiviral drug treatment may be helpful depending of the severity.

Contracting the Virus

The First cases of West Nile virus was in Uganda back in the 30’s. It did not reach the U.S. until the summer of 1999. First in New York and then the rest of the U.S.

West Nile is believed to spread from a mosquito bite from an infected bird that mosquito then can transfer it to human. The highest concentrate of Mosquitoes carry the virus in September, before the risk of disease dramatically decreases during the winter months when the mosquitoes die off.

Strange enough, a number of individuals who have had contact with infected mosquitoes may not develop severe sysmtoms or even notice any symptoms what so ever. They may perhaps notice mild, flu-like illness.

Risk factors in that may lead to developing a severe form of West Nile virus include:

Weak immune system, to include other infections, traumas, or compromised immune systems.
The elderly
Woman that are pregnant

Complications

Complications from mild West Nile virus infection are extremely rare.

Complications from severe West Nile virus infection include:

Permanent brain damage
Permanent muscle weakness
Death

Well how do I prevent West Nile virus infection?… Well the CDC tells us the following:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Use Insect Repellent

on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. For details on when and how to apply repellent, see Insect Repellent Use and Safety in our Questions and Answers pages. See also Using Insect Repellent Safely from the EPA.

Get double protection: wear long sleeves during peak mosquito biting hours, and spray repellent directly onto your clothes.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites

When weather permits, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours

The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning — or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain standing water from around your home. Drain Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water. Need examples? Learn more on the Prevention of West Nile Virus Question and Answer page.

Install or Repair Screens

Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be in bad shape.

Help Your Community

Report Dead Birds to Local Authorities

Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It’s important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus.

By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check the Links to State and Local Government Sites page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area. Click here for more info about reporting dead birds and dealing with bird carcasses.

Clean Up

Mosquito breeding sites can be anywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don’t care about fences, so it’s important to control breeding sites throughout the neighborhood.

Gear Pick:

Garrett’s Pick

ESEE Knives Lite Machete

Adam’s Picks

OFF! Clip-On repellent

http://www.off.com/clip-on-mosquito-repellent/