Dear Nurse Bonnie:

Years ago, I attended an outdoor party on a sunny, hot July afternoon. The champagne flowed (I had 2 glasses) and the appetizers were delicious. I recall the crabmeat dip and the chicken with herbed mayonnaise sauce. My husband imbibed more than I. He got sick. I drove. No sooner did I get him comfortable than the room whirled like a carousel and I was ‘calling out for Ralph’ by the porcelain bowl. I never get sick so ‘What was it?’
Mrs.JTO.

Dear Mrs. JTO,
Dehydration in hot weather causing the alcohol to affect you more, bacteria growing in fat and protein rich foods, or any combination of the two. A good rule of thumb is no more than 4 hrs. unrefrigerated from preparation to serving. You may want to consider if you have trust that the foods you are eating have been adequately refrigerated. If you are the host, keep everything refrigerated until barbecue or serving time. Take out only the portion you need. Never keep foods in direct sunlight. Overhydrate with water on hot days. Avoid alcohol (also caffeine & sugar) or strictly limit quantities. You can see what effect even two had on a very hot July day.

Dear Nurse Bonnie,
The mosquitoes are already out and biting. What can I do to protect myself from West Nile Virus .How would I know if I had it?
Ms.A.P.

Dear Ms. A.P.,
Discourage mosquitoes from breeding (it takes them only 4 to 7 days) by eliminating as much as possible any standing water. Chlorinate pools. Drill holes in the bottom of garbage cans. Disinfect standing water in pool covers with bleach. Stock fish to eat mosquito larvae in fresh water ponds or use larvicide carefully following directions. Keep grass short and trim shrubs. Stagnant water can be reported to the Stamford Health Dept. at 977-439or at www.cityofstamford.org
Protect yourself-Avoid as much as possible outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours. Use mosquito netting when camping, on baby carriages and playpens. Patch screens. Cover arms and legs. Wear light clothing to radiate less heat and attract fewer mosquitoes. Insect repellants with DEET < 30% for adults,< 10% for children up to 5 yrs. old can be applied sparingly to only exposed skin and clothing then washed off immediately. Follow label directions. Be alert to sensitivity reactions. AVOID repeated use of higher concentrations on older people and children.

Symptoms of West Nile Encephalitis (brain inflammation) include fever, head and body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, muscle weakness progressing in severe cases to stupor, disorientation convulsions, coma and rarely death. Seek Medical Care: Usually IV therapy, maintaining breathing, preventing secondary infections. People older than 50 are generally at greater risk.Dogs and cats do not appear to be at GREAT risk of infection but horses are and need to be protected during an outbreak.