Community Corner

Comment: 'I Don't Believe in West Nile Virus'

Everything from fear to eye-rolling ensued in response to West Nile news this week.

Is West Nile Virus a legitimate concern or a non-event overblown by news media? That is the question Patch readers have debated since Maryland this week confirmed the first West Nile Virus fatality.

From the deathly afraid to the non-believers, many readers had an opinion on West Nile. Here's a sampling:

"I don't understand how all those tiny little skeeters fly all the way over here from West Nile. You'd think they'd be too pooped to bite anybody." —Sue Crandall

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I can see withholding the individual's name and other personal identifiers but I simply cannot understand withholding the name of the county." —Genine Mahon

"It doesn't matter where the person lived. It matters where they were bitten and since you can't really be completely sure of that, then it doesn't matter anyway. Just use bug spray like always." —Lily

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I don't want to be sprayed." —dontbelieveeverythingyouhear

"My daughter is allergic to mosquito bites as it is. She does have a weakened immune system and yes, I am a very protective mom. At the same time, I want my daughter to be able to play outside with her friends without fear of getting West Nile from a mosquito bite." —Adrienne

"The chance of contracting WNV is slim, you should get out and enjoy. A tree may fall on you before you get WNV." —Joe

"Relax! Your odds of being murdered are nine hundred times GREATER than dying of the West Niles Virus. I am more afraid of the chemicals used in spraying than of the mosquitos." —No Psoas

"I don't believe in West Nile Virus." —number9dream


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here