Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living reports that its mosquito surveillance program has identified this season’s first Culex tarsalis mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus (WNV).
Advertisement
Approximately 668 dead birds and 1159 mosquitoes sampled in California this year have been found to harbor the virus.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and transmission of the potentially deadly disease.
West Nile human cases reported this year includes one in Fresno County, one is Los Ángeles County and one in Yuba County.
Symptoms of some infected people can last a number of weeks, according to the SCDHS, and “neurological effects may be permanent”. No human cases have been confirmed this year.
Out of the three human cases reported so far, two were the neuroinvasive strain and one was West Nile Fever. According to the vector control district website, “Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes are infected”.
“It’s never too late to vaccinate your horse for West Nile virus”, state field veterinarian Thomas Gilliom said.
Fever, headache, sore throat, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, mild transient rash and lymphadenopathy are common symptoms of the illness while in a small percent of patients, the disease can lead to occurrence of aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. Limit exposure by wearing trousers and long sleeves in the evening. Long-term complications such as coma, paralysis and even death can happen in the most severe cases.
But West Nile isn’t the only mosquito-borne disease of concern. When outdoors, adjust your dress and wear repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as your first lines of defense against insect bites.
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains.
Advertisement
Install or Repair Screens: Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
