“This year has been different because of the amount of rain we have, which actually helps when it comes to the type of species that carry West Nile virus”, says Vanderburgh County Health Department’s, Keith Goy. “Wyoming residents should keep in mind to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites”, said Katie Bryan, epidemiologist with WDH.
Advertisement
Last year was also the deadliest year ever in San Diego for West Nile, with six deaths among the 44 human cases reported.
West Nile virus is regularly found in the US, birds serve as the primary host of the disease.
Schuylkill county falls into the low-risk category for the virus. She also says horse owners should be on the look out for specific symptoms.
Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans. But some cases can worsen to include swelling of the brain.
“These are the first cases of locally transmitted Zika virus in the continental United States”, CDC Director Tom Frieden said during a news briefing on Friday. There are 1,647 travel-related cases in the continental US and 20 cases in USA territories.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2014, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800. “But one of them at least came up positive for West Nile Virus”. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.
Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Fix or replace screens with tears or holes.
Advertisement
The team will continue to treat standing water with insect growth regulator tablets and fog through the remainder of mosquito season. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water around homes and properties, including buckets, old vehicle tires, rain gutters, birdbaths, and pet bowls. The woman was admitted to the hospital in July with symptoms of West Nile Virus, and is still in serious condition.
