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West Nile in area, mosquito problem persists

Sep 08 2016

Health employee holds one of the Culex mosquito species which had been identified as the primary carrier of the West Nile virus in the South

The presence of "West Nile virus in mosquito pools along with multiple cases in sentinel chickens, are creating a heightened concern for potential human cases of the virus", officials wrote in a news release. That's on top of the state's first human case of the mosquito-borne illness, which was reported in Elmore County in early August. That means many East Coasters officially said goodbye to their favorite driveable beach vacation destinations, leaving mostly locals in regions like the Jersey Shore and Ocean City, New Jersey.

DPHHS recommends following the Four D's of West Nile Virus to reduce the chance of getting infected. Texas led the nation with 98 human cases.

This week, the first reported Montana resident died from complications related to the virus this year. As Parent Herald previously reported, West Nile virus is a flavivirus that is carried by nearly 65 mosquito species and its host are birds.

County health officials have said it's a slower season for the virus than usual, but they warn that residents still need to be watchful, especially because 70 to 80 percent of victims who are infected don't show any symptoms, according to Chris Van Deusen from the Texas Department of State Health. "However, the mosquitoes here in Middle Tennessee may be able to spread the Zika virus if they bite someone who has the virus, and then bite someone else".

There are also cases of Zika that were contracted around Miami. An immediate, short-term reduction in the region's mosquitoes was expected after flood waters drowned bug populations.

Goodman said the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District has sprayed over 600,000 acres for mosquitoes so far this year, mostly in rural stretches but also in Woodland and the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento. More rainfall means less stagnant water, he said. Only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness, which is usually mild, and includes fever, headache, and body aches, but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and even death are possible. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. These symptoms can last for a few days or several weeks.


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