Public Health Madison & Dane County, with state health officials announced that a bird recently tested positive for WNV (West Nile Virus) in Dane County, the first to do so in the county this year.
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The precise location was not disclosed. So far, three mosquitoes in Summit County have tested positive.
Health officials warn residents to take extra precautions against the mosquito-borne illness by staying indoors and eliminating the habitats that mosquitoes flock to live and breed. “The residents of Marin and Sonoma counties need to take West Nile virus seriously and report sources of standing water, adult mosquito issues and protect themselves from mosquito bites”.
– Avoid outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito hours. No humans, horses or birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year. The state Department of Health regularly conducts the testing and identified this recent case. No human cases have been reported. “It is particularly important for people over the age of 50 and those with other medical conditions to prevent mosquito bites, as they are more at risk for severe complications from West Nile virus“. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and weakness and rash.
Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good fix. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.
The region, in line with provincial requirements, runs a mosquito control program as a preventive measure against West Nile. “I was just so sick”, says Amanda Hoskins, a victim of West Nile virus.
Precautions against being bitten by infected mosquitoes include using insect repellent, properly maintaining pools and decorative water features, removing standing water and wearing lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
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Fortunately, swimming pools and fishponds with circulating water are usually not a problem.
