Life at the 'Lik: What's the buzz all about?

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. David Liapis
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Editor's note: This article is part of a series designed to provide in-depth information to both current and future members of Team Incirlik about topics specific to Incirlik and Turkey. The goal is to assist Airmen and families in making informed decisions about their move to the area and to provide guidance about local policies, procedures and quality of life matters.

Most incidents that begin with a high-pitched buzz and end with a slap result in little more than an annoying, itchy bump. However, these pesky little flying insects we call mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases from Malaria to Yellow Fever to the West Nile Virus.

Whether you're in Africa, the U.S., Turkey or just about everywhere in between, there are notices put out by agencies such as the U.S. Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization advising residents and travelers of the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses, and Incirlik AB is no exception.

While Malaria and Yellow fever are not really a concern here in southeastern Turkey, West Nile Virus is something to watch for just as we do in all the lower 48 States and just about every other place in the world. A recent routine sample of 1,059 mosquitoes collected on Incirlik AB tested positive for the disease in six of the insects.

Even though West Nile Virus is present in the region, no detected cases have been reported in humans, said Master Sgt. Christopher Gordon, 39th Medical Group noncommissioned-officer-in-charge of Public Health.

West Nile Virus is an infection that may or may not even result in any sign of symptoms. According to the CDC's West Nile Virus factsheet, "...most people infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms."

Additionally, less than 1 percent of people who are infected develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues), said Gordon.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include flu-like symptoms and rashes. The CDC states that most infections will resolve on their own and do not require medical attention. However, they caution that people with cases involving more severe symptoms such as bad headaches or confusion should seek medical attention immediately.

Even though the weather is getting cooler and recent mosquito collections show a significant decrease in numbers typical for this time of year, Incirlik AB residents should still take preventative measures to minimize exposure to insect bites.

"Typically this time of year we would recommend ending mosquito trapping and spraying due to cooler temperatures, but due to this situation Civil Engineer squadron pest management will continue spraying and treating any standing water areas," said Gordon. "Public Health will continue trapping and sending mosquitoes in for surveillance, and we recommend members continue to use insect repellents when outdoors and wear long sleeves and pants when outside from dusk to dawn."

In addition to preventative measures such as the routine mosquito fogging that takes place during the warmer months here, residents can also minimize the number of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water in buckets, flower pots or other locations. Mosquito larvae can reside in standing water throughout the winter months and will be out and about next spring looking for some exposed skin.

If you have any medical concerns, please schedule an appointment with your primary care manager. You can contact the Public Health Office at 676-6123 with any questions regarding West Nile Virus. You can also view the CDC's West Nile Virus factsheet here.