First Case of West Nile in Winnebago County Confirmed

“The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites”, said DPHHS Director Richard Opper.

Officials said they were the first samples to test positive in Grant County this year and the second in Washington state.

While West Nile has been detected in the mosquitoes, there are no confirmed cases of it in any humans in New York this summer.

Residents can decrease the number of mosquitoes on their property by monitoring and eliminating all sources of standing water.

A year ago there were 142 human cases of West Nile virus, with eight deaths, in Nebraska.

“We have been able to hit the big stuff and kill the mosquitoes in the water in their larva stage, but there’s a lot of standing water in the forest preserves and we can’t hit those”.

Officials say it is earlier than usual for the mosquito-transmitted infection to be reported in a person.

– If possible, stay indoors during prime mosquito biting times: dusk and dawn. “Spray bushes and shrubs as close to the start of the event and it will give you several hours of relief”.

St. Louis County, MO (KTRS) The St. Louis County Department of Health is urging the public to protect their pet…

Not everyone infected with West Nile virus will become ill.

With all the holiday activities sure to bring people outdoors, the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts want to remind people to be mindful of taking steps to avoid contracting West Nile Virus.

Maintain screens to prevent adult mosquitoes from entering your home or business.

Experts recommend using mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535. To track the virus in the Pacific Northwest or get additional information, view the BFHD West Nile website at www.bfhd.wa.gov/wnv.

“””(WNV) has been around for quite a long time now, and most of us may be immune to it by now”, said Browne. Those most at risk should be particularly vigilant and, according to the CDC, “Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV”.

While no treatment is needed in most cases, less than 1 percent of infections can lead to serious and life-threatening symptoms that include headaches, rash, fever, stiffness, confusion, weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis, according to DPHHS.