The Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project has reported the first positive finding of the West Nile virus in Falmouth this year.
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Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms of illness. Unfortunately, there are still no medications or vaccines to combat this virus. Health officials are expecting to see many cases of the virus this summer in MI.
As of Friday, 13 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year. The use of insect repellents is another way to control mosquito bites.
Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. But people age 60 and older and those with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease are at greater risk for serious illness, as are those who’ve had organ transplants, the CDC says. Mosquitoes contract the virus by feeding on infected birds. She said 25 batches of mosquitoes were collected on Tuesday, July 12, and sent to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain the following day.
Most mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times.
Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors. Those with garden ponds and fountains should maintain those by keeping the water flowing. Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least weekly.
Last year, MI had a number of human cases of the virus.
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“Livingston County has a history of West Nile”, Hamilton said.
