The Bay State has reported the primary human instances of West Nile virus of the 12 months, as well being officers urge residents to take precautions to keep away from mosquito bites.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Tuesday introduced the primary two human instances of West Nile virus in state residents this 12 months.
A person in his 40s was uncovered to the virus in Middlesex County, which is an space already identified to be at average threat for West Nile virus. The different case is a lady in her 70s who was uncovered to the virus in one other a part of the nation.
The threat of human an infection is average within the Greater Boston space — Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties — and in components of Bristol, Plymouth, Worcester, Berkshire, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.
“This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in Massachusetts residents this year,” stated Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein. “August and September are the months when most individuals are uncovered to West Nile virus in Massachusetts.
“Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread this virus are fairly large this year and we have seen recent increases in the number of WNV-positive mosquito samples from multiple parts of the Commonwealth,” Goldstein added.
Last 12 months, there have been eight human instances of WNV an infection recognized in Massachusetts. WNV is often transmitted to people by way of the chunk of an contaminated mosquito.
While WNV can infect individuals of all ages, individuals over the age of fifty are at increased threat for extreme illness. Most individuals contaminated with WNV can have no signs. When current, WNV signs have a tendency to incorporate fever and flu-like sickness. In uncommon instances, extra extreme sickness can happen.
“We are coming to the unofficial end of summer but mosquitoes with West Nile virus will persist for several more months,” stated State Epidemiologist Catherine M. Brown.
“To avoid mosquito bites, use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, drain standing water and repair window screens,” Brown added. “We also encourage everyone to regularly visit DPH’s mosquito-borne diseases web pages to stay informed on when and where WNV activity is occurring.”
Updated info on all WNV and EEE constructive outcomes will be discovered on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web site at www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”