Assignment Article Review

Introduction

There are many medical or health related issues that some communities has to face and try to avoid. The community of Nassau and Suffolk County in Long Island faces issues with the West Nile virus and how to distribute pesticides safely and effectively to lessen the symptoms of developing this disease. One article focuses on spraying the pesticide from the air or by truck while the other focuses on the actual affects of the virus. The two articles combined examine the consequences of being exposed to West Nile virus as well as how to prevent contracting the virus.

How long has it been a problem?

The West Nile virus has developed from infected birds from because of ecological issues such as floods, fires and droughts. The dead birds were then fed on by mosquitoes that then get infected other animals. The West Nile virus has been a problem in Long Island since about August of 1999. It was originally found in many dead birds, dead horses and then about 62 cases found in humans. Only most recently the problem has escalated to draw concerns of infecting the community at large because mosquitoes have now been infecting and spreading this virus to humans at an alarming rate due to easy accessibility.

How has it affected the community?

The West Nile virus has affected the community of Long Island by putting fear of being infected by the disease and to try to avoid getting infected. There have been cases with people showing symptoms of West Nile disease such as high fevers, headache, neck stiffness and paralysis and even cases of neurological effects that can be so severe that it can be a lifelong issue. The West Nile virus is located mainly where mosquitoes nest and possibly breed.

How has the community responded?

The community has responded by developing some kind of fear of contracting the disease but also the side effects of pesticides used to distribute all over the town to minimize or wipe out the West Nile virus. Many towns' people show great concern with being exposed to the pesticides during the spreading of the pesticides through the air in some areas or by truck in other areas. The community requires to be notified ahead of time so they may stay indoors to avoid exposure to the chemical.

Conclusion

West Nile virus is a disease that has caused great concern to Nassau and Suffolk County in Long Island. It has been a concern for the towns' people to avoid getting infected with the disease but also the effects of exposure of pesticides to avoid the spread of West Nile was also a concern. The community went through it and are now safe and are aware of what they can do ro stop the spread of this disease.