Wayne County Public Health is reporting a confirmed human case of West Nile Virus. The infected resident is currently hospitalized and is receiving care.
West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and infections occur most often during the summer and early fall. Infections can cause serious illness and in some cases death. According to the New York State Department of Health, “Most people, 70 to 80%, who are infected with West Nile Virus show little to no symptoms.” Those over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for serious illness. Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. More severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Diane Devlin, RN, BSN, MS Director of Public Health urges Wayne County residents to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their homes from mosquitoes. Devlin said, “The most effective way to reduce the risk of infection from West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the mosquito population in and around your home.” To reduce mosquito populations:
- Remove sources of standing water.
- Minimize exposures to mosquito bites by using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. While administering insect repellent, be sure to follow all label instructions. Adults should apply repellent to their own hands first and then apply it to children’s exposed skin.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, tuck pants into socks and tuck shirt into pants when outdoors during increased mosquito activity times at dusk or dawn.
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