It’s the first case of West Nile confirmed in a person in 2015. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. People most at risk for contracting the disease are 50 years old and above. It is best to limit the amount of time outdoors during those particular time periods.
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It’s impossible to predict what each year may bring, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself from West Nile virus.
More than 180 South Dakota cities, counties and tribes will share in $490,371 in grants intended to control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Department of Health.
Human cases of West Nile virus peak in late August and early September, according to Dr. David Beckham, associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and medical doctor who specializes in infectious disease.
Worldwide, he added, there are more than 100 species of mosquito.
Hennessey goes on to say, “Staff is working to keep the mosquitoes under control, but you can take some simple steps in your backyard to help”.
The candidate uses the HydroVax platform, a hydrogen peroxide-based process that inactivates the West Nile virus, while maintaining surface structures that trigger an immune response, the NIH said in the statement.
Avoiding prolonged outdoor activity at dawn and dusk – when mosquitoes are at their most active. “The recent rain we’ve had also provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry the virus”. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible. Always follow label instructions carefully.
“The mosquitoes in our area that are most likely to transmit disease are the type that like smaller volumes of water”, he said.
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The Kane County Health Department is also collecting dead birds to be sent to the state lab for testing as part of its West Nile virus program.
