In Florida, two more cases of human West Nile were reported late today, bringing the number of cases to three in that state. They're the first such cases in four years.

Two suburban Chicago area men were diagnosed with the mosquito-born West Nile virus late last week, the first such cases recorded in Illinois this year, health officials say.

In Florida, two more cases of human West Nile were reported late today, bringing the number of cases to three in that state. The first such cases in four years.

There have are also been confirmed human cases of West Nile in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and other states.

And in Canada, Health Canada is monitoring West Nile cases, in the the event humans test positive.

The disease, transmitted through the a mosquito bite, typically begins appearing in humans in late July or early August according to health officials.

More cases are likely, however, because of hot, dry weather and rains which produce breeding grounds for mosquitos.

ABOUT WEST NILE

Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds, then pass it to humans they bite. Only about 20 percent of humans exposed to the virus experience any signs of illness, which usually includes only mild fevers, headache and body aches.

In rare cases in can lead to death causing deadly meningitis or encephalitis.

Most vulnerable are the elderly. But you and your children are at risk.

WHAT TO DO:

1. STAY INSIDE AT DUSK AND DAWN. Health officials recommend taking precautions to avoid bites, including staying inside at dusk and dawn, when the insects are most active, using repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants.

2. USE MOSQUITO REPELLENT. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using mosquito repellent with deet, which is safe to use on infants as young as two months old.

And as of April, the CDC also began recommending lemon eucalyptus. However, you can only use that beginning at age 3.

Another repellent is picaridin. But the American Academy of Pediatrics has not put out a recommended age for the product.

About the Author
Glenn Lawrence is editor of Interactive DAD Magazine, http://www.InteractiveDadMagazine.com, FREE, daily online magazine for fathers focusing on family and finance. Got a parenting or relationship question, ASK THE EXPERT psychiatrist FREE, http://www.InteractiveDadMagazine.com/asktheexpert.htm