My wedding is coming up two weeks from yesterday. We are having it outside. That has been the plan since our engagement in July. The west nile virus has gotten to be a big issue. What ALL can I do to protect myself and my guests from getting a mosquito bite and possibly get this virus? I will do whatever it takes.

Here's a site with some mosquito machines,

http://www.scapest.com/mosquito-machines.html

You might be able to rent a machine at Taylor Rental.

Best wishes for your wedding.

If you have out of town guests, you could consider putting cans of "Off!" (or equivalent -- see below) in their rooms. Many people put little welcome baskets in the rooms, and this could be part of it.

As far as the local guests, I guess you could offer "mosquito repellent wipes" in a little basket at the entrance to the wedding area.

This is a tricky thing. I'd be worried most about the older folks -- mine are in Vicksburg and don't get outside much, but I'm still worried.

All you can do is spray the area, offer supplies and have a wonderful wedding & life.

Good luck & congrats!

Congratulations on the wedding.
It is unfortunate all this with the viris has to be going on to disrupt your plans but perhaps you should consider bring the wedding party inside. Your older guest will be at the greatest risk.
Good luck.

I think the West Nile virus is this summers version of last years "Shark Attack" summer. We're only hearing about it every day because it's a dead news summer - I guess that's a good thing.

Of course it's wise to be aware that it's there, but remember that the odds of getting bit by an infected mosquito are small, the odds of contracting the disease after being bitten are also small, and the odds that the disease progresses past anything more than minor symptoms are astronomical. You've got way bigger things to worry about - like being married!

So very true...
It is a shame she has to worry about a virus that may not even be a problem in her area.
That said, let me just add, my sister-in-law is just getting over having the West Nile Virus. She had the headaches, aches, pains and a rash over her whole body. She is 39 and she said she has never felt so bad in her life. The doctors misdiagnosed her case and just this week took test that revealed she indeed did have it.
This virus has not be so kind to older people or those with lowered immune systems.
The news here has said, the virus is just stating.

Well, I'm not so sure that it IS being blown out of preportion. My son's friend is out of school with it. He is in the hospital and almost died. They say to try not to be outside at all at dusk and dawn. There were 2 more deaths reported yesterday in Louisiana.

quote:

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Originally posted by angela-cc: Well, I'm not so sure that it IS being blown out of preportion.

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Not to make light of serious illnesses, and certainly precautions are wise - but consider this for a sense of proportion...

As of today the CDC has confirmed 11 deaths caused by West Nile Virus - souce AP 8/20

In an AVERAGE season 20,000 Americans die from flu, that number goes up to 40,000 in a severe flu season. source - www.nfid.org/factsheets/influadult.html

Compare the news coverage of 11 total WNV deaths, and 20,000 flu related deaths. Still think it's not blown out of proportion?

We are getting some up here in Ohio also. I guess there was the first case of it comfirmed dead around cincinatti. I would be very careful about it.

Th west nile virus is being blow out of proportion. It is a disease that is no more deadly than the flu... many who have gotten it never even realized that they did. That said, just like the flu, the WNV can kill those with weak immune systems. The good thing is that there are easy precautions to take... wear bug spray, get rid of stagnant water (where mosquitoes lay their eggs), don't touch dead birds, and be especially careful near dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are out the most.

It is five times more likely for you to die by having your clothes catch fire, than it is to die from West Nile.


I'd be more worried about candles at your wedding!

lies, damn lies, and statistics.
while it may be true that you are more likely to die of your clothes catching fire than the west nile virus, the two have nothing to do with each other. while standing outside in a mosquitoe-y area, asuming there isn't a bonfire, you have more likelihood of catching the virus than burning.
that said, the west nile virus is rarely serious and just using bug spray is an easy way to decrease your risk of catching it.