(Columbia County) The first human case of West Nile Virus has been reported in Columbia County this year. There have been multiple other human cases reported in the state, including in Dodge County last month. Local health officials say West Nile Virus has also been detected in mosquitos, birds, and healthy blood donors who screened positive for the disease earlier this year.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds. Most infections occur in late summer and early fall, particularly in August and September, but the risk persists as long as mosquitoes remain active.
Roughly 80-percent of people infected with the virus will not experience any symptoms. However, for around 20-percent, symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and occasionally a rash. In less than 1-percent of cases, the virus can lead to severe illness, such as high fever, disorientation, muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
State Department of Health Services Epidemiologist Rebecca Osborn provides some tips to avoid getting bitten.
“The best tools we have for prevention are personal protection, so people being aware of the risks of mosquito bites and trying to avoid bites themselves,” says Osborn. “Other things to consider are avoiding certain areas with standing water where different repellents or use different types of clothing or delay activities for a certain type of day, or perhaps altered that landscaping around their home.”
Health officials also recommend reducing outdoor activities if possible – especially during peak mosquito hours in the early morning and evening.
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–WRN contributed
