NBC Dallas-Fort Worth announced yesterday of a boy currently fighting a weak case of the West Nile Virus. Although serious, the boy was seen early by doctors and will be expected a speedy recovery. In the previous year, it was confirmed that 19 died and over 300 caught ill due to the virus (Journal Watch). Luckily for many Americans, we are provided with adequate healthcare access, able to put an abrupt end to any sort of an epidemic. Yet, how serious is this virus and ones similar? And what it is (it sure is in the wrong side of the Nile)?
The CDC defines the West Nile Virus as mosquito borne, symptom-less, and not treatable/preventable. That definition alone creates a flair of uncertainty. Although dying from it is rare, one is to wonder if he or she is infected (I got bit the other day). The media doesn't help either (stating how 2012 was an apocalypse of mosquitoes), leaving citizens with fear.
But is this a human security issue? I argue it is. It is silent in nature and probably left unattended (who would actually go to the doctor because of a mosquito bite?). In its extreme cases, it is deadly. Yet, I don't see politicians running from their recess back to DC to come up with solutions on this. It is not in anybody's radar until one becomes another statistic to the issue.
The problem with environmental issues is that we wait until they happen to finally look for solutions. We don't want solutions to things that could happen, we want solutions to things that have happened (climate change can also be put here).
In Haiti, Malaria--another mosquito-born virus--is a big threat. We can already see what damages an earthquake can do to this poor country, so imagine malaria spreading around to these people low on healthcare access. What can be done here (by the international community)? Well, something as simple and low-cost as mosquito nets. UNICEF provided over "200,000 Haitian families" with over 400,000 nets (UNICEF). Haiti cannot produce credible statistics on the virus and number affected. What it does report is said to vastly under-estimated (UNICEF). Well, here is a quick and easy solution to that problem (it won't fix it all, but it will fix a lot of it before it can really grow and spread).
Solutions do not have to be grand in scale or money. Scholars look at the AIDS epidemic, and how it could have been cut drastically if only early preventions and action had taken place. The same could go for many other viruses and diseases. I am heading to Wal-Mart to buy me a mosquito net.
NBC DFW
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Dallas-Countys-Third-WNV-Human-Case-Reported-in-University-Park-218009541.html
http://www.jwatch.org/na31718/2013/07/23/controlling-west-nile-virus
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_56663.html
We are lucky to live in a place that has scheduled spraying for mosquito control- I remember how bad they were as a kid growing up in a community that couldn't afford that, and it was miserable every summer.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is definitely a human security issue. West nile is deadly, though we don't think of it much, it is potentially deadly. there needs to be more research and funds to find a solution to treat this from occuring. This really pertains to our readings on the spread of disease, this instead is being spread by mosquitos and we do need to find a solution fast.
ReplyDeleteI agree that with you that it is a human security issue, and I would argue that disease goes a long way to making states weak. Having a population that is crippled by disease is not a good place for a government to be. Also I am in Dallas this summer and now you have me worried about west Nile.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in regards to dealing with things as they come for the environment and threats the environment can produce. Climate change is also a huge deal, and I feel that until people can actually see the effects of climate change, only then might they believe in it and want something to be done about it. People need to become educated about these environmental threats and speak up. I think more money needs to be spent on environmental concerns. The environment is more powerful than anyone knows, and it's what dictates how long we'll be around for.
ReplyDeleteCraig, I'm sorry about the news...but it has been going on strong since last year. Health issues are the type of things that one does not care about, until the moment strikes...Jordie, I agree with you on climate change. I cannot believe that the majority of politicians are ignoring the issue. How can anyone not believe the evidence and the work of scientists?? Boggles my mind...
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