Suffolk: Four new mosquito samples test positive for West Nile virus

The Health Department prepared for the mosquito season by evaluating and treating with larvicide all catch basins on county and municipal roads throughout Westchester.

About 80 percent of those exposed to the illness show no symptoms or ill effects of the virus, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, the news release said.

In 2014, there were six human cases of West Nile virus infection identified in Massachusetts.

“We know that West Nile virus is present in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts because it has been confirmed in birds and in mosquito pools in previous years”, says Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury & District Medical Officer of Health.

A total of 16 probable and confirmed human WNv cases have been reported to date in 2015 in Ontario. All but one monitoring site reported at least two virus-positive samples. Symptoms include a mild fever, headache and body aches, he said.

The town is considered to be at moderate risk because of its close proximity to communities with positive test results, information on mosquito population levels and the continued warm and muggy weather.

Although persons over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease.

A sixth Nassau County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the county’s health department said Friday.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. “Until that hard frost occurs, people should continue to take precautions when spending time outdoors”.

Use a Health Canada approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always fix broken screens. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water.