Vector control officials reported Monday an increase in West Nile Virus activity throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
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So far this year, human cases of WNV have been reported in Calhoun, Hinds (4), Grenada, Lamar (2), Leflore, Lowndes and Rankin counties.
That brings the state’s 2016 total to 11 cases. Today, the MSDH says that person recently traveled to Nicaragua.
Death from Zika is very rare, and most who get the virus have mild or no symptoms, but it can cause serious birth defects if pregnant women contract it. It’s the only confirmed finding of EEE in Rhode Island this year. The MSDH is now conducting surveillance for Aedes mosquito populations in every county in the state.
A second mosquito has tested positive for the West Nile virus in Perth County. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
Health Unit officials are asking residents to use insect repellant with DEET and wear light-coloured long sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid being bitten.
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Authorities urge the public to help prevent mosquito breeding by getting rid of stagnant water in which mosquitoes lay eggs.
