The Knox County Health Department has confirmed he presence of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the Fourth Avenue area of Knox County.
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The recommendation comes after multiple reports of the virus being detected in Michigan’s Oakland County.
The American Red Cross consistently tests blood donations for a wide variety of infectious diseases, including West Nile virus. Kathy Forzley, Health Division health officer, said in the news release.
Apply repellants to skin often; these can include lotions, liquids or sprays. Always follow manufacturer’s directions carefully, especially when using on children.
Wear long, loose and light-colored shirts and trousers and wear socks.
Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. “And unlike Zika, mosquitoes in Tennessee are known carriers of these other diseases”, said Vector Control Supervisor Andrea Woodard.
Astorino revealed that since quite some time, the Hudson Valley has been plagued by the West Nile Virus and therefore samples testing positive was not astonishing at all. “Regardless of the disease, the public can help reduce all mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing repellent and removing standing water from their property”.
The baby’s mother was infected while in an area with ongoing Zika transmission. Also, the risk of contracting a serious illness is highest among those people, who are above the age of 50 years.
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Physicians are urged to test patients for West Nile virus if they present with fever and signs of meningitis or encephalitis, or sudden painless paralysis.
