While the West Nile virus is not new to Maryland, health officials warn people to take precautions when heading outside to parks or to the beach, especially areas where there might be standing water. Less than 1 percent of those 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.
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Visit these sites for more information on West Nile virus, efforts to control mosquitoes and WNV in Connecticut, and WNV statistics in CT. The most severe type of West Nile Virus is sometimes called “neuroinvasive disease” because it affects a person’s nervous system.
Greenwich is home to three of the 91 mosquito traps in the state. “It is important to point out that these mosquitoes don’t respect town boundaries”.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “About one in 150 people infected with (West Nile virus) will develop severe illness”.
Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A state of emergency is in effect in Madison County because authorities believe that Eastern Equine Encephalitis, known commonly as “Triple E”, and West Nile virus pose an imminent threat to public health.
Authorities in one New York area are stressed over mosquitoes and the infections they convey. Larvae can be treated with “mosquito dunks” (BTI products) and adults are sprayed, he said. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
And in addition, district operations lead supervisor Rodney Chamberlain comments, “We have been detecting West Nile virus in mosquitoes since April in the Valley and working hard ever since to reduce transmission of the virus”.
Wear long sleeves and long trousers when outdoors while mosquitoes are biting.
Do not camp out overnight near stagnant or standing water where mosquitoes are most active.
Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Make sure your backyard pool is properly chlorinated every day.
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Install or fix screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
