There have been two confirmed human cases of the virus in Mississippi this year. According to the Health District, it is important all people living, working and playing in Grant County protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes, as there is no human vaccines for WNV. Many people with the virus do not show any symptoms. Less than 1 percent of those people develop a serious, sometimes deadly, neurological illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The departments of Health and Environmental Protection strongly recommend that all residents minimize their exposure to mosquitoes. “Ohioans should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites”.
Ellis’ department is advising the public to limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
The communities include Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Revere, Somerville and Watertown, health officials said.
“He did not really spend any time outside of the county”, said Paul Rehme, epidemiologist for Volusia County Health Department.
Along with West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue fever are other mosquito borne illnesses that can breed in standing water. West Nile virus could be much less severe and most infected humans do not develop symptoms.
“Basically it’s as simple as emptying standing water on your property”, he said. “These areas can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers”, the DEP said.
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-Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Install or fix screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and use air-conditioning.
