Vaccine for West Nile Virus enters human clinical trials

West Nile has also been found this year in mosquitoes in Gem County.

In 1999, West Nile Virus in birds and mosquitoes were first detected, and has become a yearly incidence since then. Limit outdoor activities and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times.

The latest positive results were found in ZIP code 75229 in North Dallas, 75042 in Garland, 75205 in Highland Park and in 75149 and 75181 in Mesquite.

The first mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in the North Shore were collected in Winnetka on June 22 and tested positive two days later, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

Around one in 150 people will develop West Nile encephalitis, a more severe neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the brain.

Denver Environmental Health crews have started to trap and test mosquitoes across the city on Wednesday.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. There were no human cases of West Nile virus in Delaware County past year.

The vaccine, called HydroVax-001, contains inactivated virus cells incapable of infecting a host but still able to trigger immune system responses expected to protect the body from West Nile.

The best defense against mosquitoes is always wearing mosquito repellent with DEET, especially at dusk and at night, when they are most active. The elderly and other immunocompromised people are most at risk for illness or death from the virus. Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their health-care provider immediately.

She said the warmer water temperatures that we are seeing this year also helps mosquitoes mature faster.

– Install screens and fix broken window covers to keep mosquitoes outside. Make sure you use follow the directions on the product labels.

Health managers say that WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV.