The New Hampshire Health Department says a batch of mosquitoes from Nashua has recently tested positive for the West Nile Virus, the first this year. Chemical treatment, simply referred to as “spraying” was recommended only if or when trapped mosquitoes test positive for the virus.
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So far this year, human cases of WNV have been reported in Calhoun, Chickasaw, Copiah (2), Hinds (6), Grenada, Lamar (2), Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion (2), Perry and Rankin counties. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Spring is the best time to vaccinate horses against West Nile virus or obtain an annual booster shot.
West Nile virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and rash. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.
West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October.
Fifteen birds and one horse have tested positive for the virus, with no human cases to date, health officials said. Last month, she said there had been 24 birds infected in 16 counties and infected mosquito pools in Kent, Oakland, Saginaw and Wayne counties, in addition to Macomb County.
An estimated one in 150 cases are life-threatening, with the risk going up for patients over age 50, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. Repellents with picardin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-methane-diol products also provide protection against mosquito bites. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
-Make sure window and door screens are in good fix.
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Video: Scott Campbell, PhD, shows home owners numerous places in your back yard where mosquitoes breed. Wear long sleeves and trousers or use repellent when outdoors. You can get more information here.
