MS health officials have confirmed four new cases of West Nile virus, bringing the state’s total to 19 cases this year.
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This week, the first reported Montana resident died from complications related to the virus this year. Since 2012, over 184 cases have been reported, with 19.6% in Denton alone. No other information was released.
To add, two pools of area mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile on August 25, according to the Mosquito Abatement District.
Symptoms of the milder form of illness, West Nile fever, can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.
However, in less than 1 percent of infected people, serious, life-threatening symptoms develop including headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, and other symptoms.
The Elko Daily Free Press reports that the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Lab says the Elko County horses tested positive for the virus within the past two weeks.
Price said although only one human case has been found this year, the potential for more people being infected with West Nile is real.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
This includes both Zika and West Nile.
“We have sprayed areas around Shandon, Rosewood, Five Points and the Vista in our efforts to control these mosquitoes”, said Tammy Brewer, director of Richland County Vector Control.
Zerwekh is referring to Vector, a program created to aggressively fight against mosquitoes and the disposal of standing water that could breed them.
Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient such as DEET while you are outdoors.
Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
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Weather, number of infected birds, number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior are common factors for where outbreaks occur, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
