First human case of West Nile in Shelby County confirmed

The number is especially striking when you consider the extremely large populations of the nation’s other West Nile hubs, including Los Angeles, Dallas and Phoenix.

In the continual fight against mosquitoes in the Tyler area, Tyler Mosquito Control treats standing water with larvicide and insect growth regulator tablets and fogs.

The Pickaway County General Health District (PCGHD) has received its first report of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus located near Duvall Road in Harrison Township.

The Delaware Division of Public Health Laboratory reported WNV-positive results from seven sentinel chickens tested in August. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are common throughout the state, and can be found in both urban and more rural areas, according to a press release from the city.

“We were actually kind of fortunate this year, that our first case is this late in the mosquito season”. Mosquitoes becomes infected by biting birds carrying the virus.

“We know that it’s in every county every year”, he said. In the mid-Atlantic region this year to date, five WNV human cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, one WNV human case each in New Jersey and Virginia, and no human cases in Delaware, New York or Maryland. There have been a total of four deaths statewide.

There have not been any West Nile-linked deaths in Louisiana this year.

There is no available vaccine to prevent the disease in humans.

Symptoms of the milder form of illness, West Nile fever, can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. Less than one percent of people infected develop a potentially fatal swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis. Some more severe symptoms of the illness include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, or paralysis. Those experiencing symptoms of WNV should contact their health care provider.

West Nile virus is spread to humans primarily through bites by infected mosquitoes.

Vaccinating horses against West Nile.

West Nile Virus, which is established in MS, is often mild but can develop into a life-threatening infection of the brain and central nervous system. Officials there have suggested that residents take such precautions as getting rid of pools of stagnant water, emptying and washing birdbaths and wading pools weekly, using insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. The Culex mosquito is usually active during the early morning and evening hours.

It has been detected in mosquitoes in multiple locations throughout the state of SC.