Officials from the Nevada Department of Agriculture said Monday a mosquito pool in Pershing County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
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On August 5, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed the presence of WNV in mosquitoes collected by MDA personnel in the City of Bowie (Prince George’s County).
Environmental Health Supervisor Robert T. Farfaglia said, “Although the town’s larvicide program treats catch basins, the general public must be vigilant in eliminating standing water on their own properties and protecting themselves from biting mosquitoes at all times”. The most serious effect of West Nile is fatal encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, in humans and horses.
Vector control routinely monitors mosquito traps throughout the District and tests mosquito samples for viruses that can impact public health.
Smith says birds carrying the virus are being forced into more urban areas, where West Nile can spread quickly. Hessel suggested repellents with lemon eucalyptus or Deet, the ingredient people may want to wear most often if they are camping or hiking outdoors. West Nile Virus positive pools were previously identified in Washoe County (one) and Clark Co (65).
Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. About 20-30% of persons who are infected will have symptoms that may include fever, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, and body ache.
Spraying only kills adult mosquitoes, Smith noted, calling on the community for assistance in fighting the mosquito problem. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months. In rare cases, people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Residents are urged to cover up with long sleeves and trousers and to limit activities at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
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“It was a very dry spring, so we haven’t had any real noticeable spikes in nuisance mosquitoes, and the West Nile mosquito – culex tarsalis – has stayed at fairly low to average numbers without any substantial spikes”, Boone said. Other tarps on wood piles are a big concern because they collect water.
