COVID-19 isn’t the only infectious disease you could catch this summer.
Polk County reported the first 2020 case of West Nile virus and further to the south, Appanoose County reported the tick-transmitted Heartland virus.
Additionally, Dallas County Health Department is receiving more reports of water-borne infections such as cyclospora and cryptosporidium.
Early speculation on the increase of water-borne diseases suggests that many swimming pools remain closed, so people are swimming in rivers, lakes and farm ponds, where fecal contamination is high. Cyclospora is spread by swallowing food or water contaminated by infected stool, and persons of all ages are at risk for this type of infection.
If you experience watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, call your healthcare clinic, and be sure to report any contact with swimming water. For more information, visit the World Water Reserve website.
It’s important to know that you can protect yourself against these diseases by taking the following precautions:
- Wear insect repellent with DEET.
- Eliminate standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay eggs.
- Check yourself and your pets after being in tall grass or wooded areas.
- Avoid swimming in water that is not chlorine treated.
As for the novel coronavirus, continue to wash your hands frequently, keep your distance from others and wear a face mask in public.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
