West Nile Virus.
Two years ago, we had none. Now, Idaho's the state with the most human infections. Several people have died, and a lot of people I know have it. In fact, I'm willing to bet the number reported on the CDC statistics page isn't even close to the number of people who actually have it.
Mosquitoes never bothered me before. I rarely get bitten, and if I do, I don't usually itch. Now, however, I can't seem to get away from them. They are everywhere! I don't remember ever getting swarmed by mosquitoes like I do now when we take our evening walk. Does West Nile Virus make mosquitoes more aggressive? The little vampires are absolutely unavoidable!
It seems like everyone who gets sick now goes to the doctor to see if they have West Nile. My aunt is just getting over it, and my husband has some symptoms, though I'm sure I'll never talk him into going to the doctor to confirm it. Have a neckache? Maybe I have West Nile. Indigestion? Must be West Nile. It's on everyone's mind, and I am terrified that Nolan will get it. I'm probably poisoning him with all the bug spray I make him wear.
Maybe it's all in my head. Maybe the threat of West Nile has me paying more attention to mosquitoes than I used to. Maybe I notice their bites more now. I don't know. What I DO know is that I do cheers when I see Nighthawks swooping around eating bugs, and Dragonflies have become my favorite insect. Even bats give me warm fuzzies. Go MosquitoEaters!
My uncle in IF has it.
ReplyDeleteLotte