The Monroe County Department of Public Health has reported the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) of the year and stressed that the risk to humans will continue through the first heavy frost.
“We are at the point in the season when risk to humans is highest, so it is important for residents to take steps to reduce mosquito bites by covering exposed skin when mosquitoes are active, and using insect repellent,” said Monroe County Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger in a release.
“State and federal health officials believe the risk from WNV is now firmly entrenched in the environment, so regardless of where one lives, they should be cautious. It is likely that we will see additional cases in the coming weeks."
New York state has reported 34 human WNV cases thus far in 2012.
WNV protective recommendations:
· Minimize outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin (when practical)
· Use insect repellent containing DEET. Be certain to follow manufacturer’s instructions and wash off the repellent once inside for the evening
· Drain standing water on property and empty any containers that can hold water to reduce mosquito breeding areas
· Make sure windows have screens that are in good condition
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 1 percent of mosquitoes carry WNV. The majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito will have no symptoms, about 20 percent will have mild flu-like symptoms, and less than 1 percent will become seriously ill.
People over the age of 50 and those with chronic illness are at highest-risk for serious illness. Although there is no vaccine or specific treatment, people should consult a physician if they develop symptoms such as high fever and headache.
For more information, go to http://www2.monroecounty.gov/health-alerts.php
The Monroe County Department of Public Health has reported the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) of the year and stressed that the risk to humans will continue through the first heavy frost.
“We are at the point in the season when risk to humans is highest, so it is important for residents to take steps to reduce mosquito bites by covering exposed skin when mosquitoes are active, and using insect repellent,” said Monroe County Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger in a release.
“State and federal health officials believe the risk from WNV is now firmly entrenched in the environment, so regardless of where one lives, they should be cautious. It is likely that we will see additional cases in the coming weeks."
New York state has reported 34 human WNV cases thus far in 2012.
WNV protective recommendations:
· Minimize outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin (when practical)
· Use insect repellent containing DEET. Be certain to follow manufacturer’s instructions and wash off the repellent once inside for the evening
· Drain standing water on property and empty any containers that can hold water to reduce mosquito breeding areas
· Make sure windows have screens that are in good condition
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 1 percent of mosquitoes carry WNV. The majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito will have no symptoms, about 20 percent will have mild flu-like symptoms, and less than 1 percent will become seriously ill.
People over the age of 50 and those with chronic illness are at highest-risk for serious illness. Although there is no vaccine or specific treatment, people should consult a physician if they develop symptoms such as high fever and headache.
For more information, go to http://www2.monroecounty.gov/health-alerts.php
