Over the past year, health officials have reported a nationwide outbreak of the West Nile virus. But despite The U of M’s location in a virus’ “hot zone,” many students seem unworried. Health department officials say stagnate waters in the area are making the 38111 ZIP code a breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.
“I’ve heard about it,” said Rod Ward, a social work and counseling major, “But I think it may be sensationalized.” He added that his wellness professor explained the issue in class.
“I did hear about emptying your birdbaths and hubcaps,” he said of the efforts to eliminate stagnate water.
The Memphis Health Department started a door to door education effort today. They plan to reach every residence and alert them to the growing problem, said Jennifer Ward, a health department representative. There is a lot of viral activity in the area, she added.
“We think that people aren’t aware of the small amounts of standing water that are breeding mosquitoes,” said Ward.
Ward explained that water in something as small as a bottle cap can contribute to the threat. All the factors are right for an outbreak.
“People really need to take action,” she said. “It can be a potentially risky situation. The whole county is at risk.”
Despite heavy coverage of the virus, U of M law student Kevin Cahill said, “I’m not that concerned about it.”
The health department has confirmed one case of the West Nile virus in Shelby County. One probable case pending and another probable case has been identified in Gibson County, north of Memphis. A total of three cases have been reported in Tennessee.
“I think it’s overblown from a fear aspect, Cahill said. “There are some obvious precautions that people should take but they shouldn’t lose sleep over it.”
Health department officials said the chances of contracting the virus are minimal, but students should be aware of the danger.
More than 250 human cases have been identified nationwide, and at least 11 deaths have been attributed to the virus.
Ward said if people take the proper precautions, the West Nile virus can be defeated.
