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September 24, 2007
West Nile
Mosquito borne illnesses are likely to be a major issue in the US, as malaria continues to be worldwide. But West Nile has not proven to be the plague that was predicted when it first hit the human population.
The CDC figures so far this year show a jump over the last month, which appears news-worthy. But overall this year, there have only been 49 deaths from West Nile, and less than 600 cases of neuroinvasive disease. Likely, many more people than are reported do develop the infection and immunity.
And how many people are killed trying to kill mosquitoes? I have nearly wrecked on more than one occasion trying to swat one. And DEET is a toxin, especially to children.
| By Robert Maddox | 02:43 PM
Comments
West Nile may not have become the new Black Death, but I'll still using Off! at my neighborhood barbecue. There are no demonstrable mutagenic effects, and the adverse reactions to it are still worth publishing, they are so rare. And this from a chemical used by a third of the population on an average day. Given a choice between contact dermatitis and even a non-fatal encephalopathy, I know which one I'll pick.
Posted by: Nathan at September 27, 2007 05:45 PM
Nathan,
If a third of the population really uses repellent on a given day, that further supports my presupposition. We waste incredible time and resources on relatively meaningless interventions. How much does 100 million applications of Off! per day cost? And what time and energy is spent applying it? Worse, what "psychic toll" does this fear take?
Posted by: Robert at October 2, 2007 08:07 AM
I think you're turning the essence of preventative medicine on its head here. If we stopped giving the diphtheria vaccine tomorrow, very few people would die, but the point is more would die than if we give it. The use of DEET to prevent transmission of disease is similar, I think.
Posted by: at October 11, 2007 02:36 PM
Yes, blank, I am turning it on its head. But that is how it should be. Perhaps more would die (though that is disputable). Perhaps less would die (which is also disputable) from less car wrecks on the way to getting the shot or buying the DEET, or from drug reactions, or from worry.
The point is that we are making truth pronouncements on risks we cannot know. And my opinion is that we are getting the raw end of the bargain. So turn it on its head.
And I would be glad for you to identify yourself.
Posted by: Rob at October 11, 2007 03:16 PM
Email "West Nile" to a friend!