The first case of a person possibly infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) in Pennsylvania has been detected in an Indiana County woman in Philadelphia, Fox 43 reports.
The Departments of Health and Environmental Protection issued strong recommendations for all Pennsylvania residents to take precautions and minimize their risk of getting bitten by virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Secretary of Health Karen Murphy said,
Detecting the first human case serves as a great reminder for Pennsylvanians to take the proper precautions when they are outside or near areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
She added that there are plenty of ways to protect oneself from the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Although mosquitoes may strike at any time, the mosquitoes that specifically carry WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. While outdoors, people can prevent mosquito bites by consistently using DEET insect repellants and keeping their skin covered with light clothing. Windows and door screen should be checked for holes and properly secured.
The DEP does regular surveillance and control to manage mosquitoes in the state, and so far has only detected WNV-infected insects in 10 Pennsylvania counties.
The mosquitoes that carry the virus breed in stagnant water, including catch basins, clogged gutters, poorly maintained pools, discarded tires and bottles, flower pots and other plastic containers.
The DEP said that it will continue to monitor mosquito activity and WNV, and reduce the mosquito populations, if necessary.
In Vermont, the state Department of Health confirmed their first case of the same West Nile Virus in a Windsor county resident. According to officials, the victim was diagnosed with a more serious illness called West Nile neuroinvasive disease, local media outlets report.
While most people who are infected do not get sick, about 20% do manifest symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. The Vermont Health Department reminds its citizen to be careful and take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
