West Nile Virus Update

Mosquito season here, and with it the need to protect ourselves from the deadly West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is contracted from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been identified in Connecticut, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Arizona and California. Two women in California have been infected with West Nile, and are currently in recovery. The virus has claimed the life of one in Arizona.

West Nile symptoms are characterized by fever, headache, tiredness and body aches. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of people who contract the virus show no symptoms as all. While West Nile is usually treatable, about 1% of infections result in death.

To help prevent exposure to West Nile Virus, the CDC recommends that you report standing water to your township, don’t allow any containers, such as flower pots, collect water, cover swimming pools, wear clothing that covers up as much skin as possible (especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active), and always wear bug spray or mosquito repellent. Lastly, if you see any dead animals, call your local animal control authorities to report it – the animal may have been affected with West Nile.