West Nile virus found in Sullivan County

Mosquitoes in Monticello test positive

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — Mosquitoes trapped in the Southwoods section of Monticello have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) performed the test on September 1. Because the traps at the Monticello location are the only such traps in the county, the DOH said it should be assumed that mosquitoes in other areas of the county might also carry the virus.

Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus will not develop any type of illness or symptoms. It is estimated that only 20 percent of the people who become infected with West Nile develop mild symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. Only about one in 150 infected individuals develop severe symptoms, which can include high fever and paralysis and, in some cases, death. According to the DOH, “there is no specific treatment for viral infections other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care.”

While the risk of serious illness is minial, all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at some risk of getting West Nile encephalitis. Persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is unknown if people with compromised immune system are at increased risk for the disease.

So far this year, 208 mosquito pools, or samples, have tested positive for the virus this season, along with 76 birds and two humans in all of New York. In Pennsylvania, 152 mosquito pools have tested positive, as well as 31 birds and six humans. There was one reported death.

There have been no samples of West Nile detected in Wayne and Pike counties in Pennsylvania.

According to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the virus was first detected in North America in 1999 in New York, and in Pennsylvania in 2000. Prior to that, it had only been found in Africa, Eastern Europe and West Asia.

The principle route of human infection with the West Nile virus is through a bite from an infected mosquito. Though birds and horses are susceptible to the virus, they cannot spread it to humans.

Protecting against West Nile Virus

There are things every individual can do around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:

:· Dispose of metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.

· Dispose of old tires. Stagnant water in tires provides a perfect mosquito breeding ground.

· Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

· Clean clogged roof gutters, especially if the drains are plugged up.

· Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

· Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

· Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

· Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use.

In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those individuals who are most at risk:

· Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

· Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

· When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods from April through October.

Go to westnile.state.pa.us or health.state.ny.us for more information about West Nile Virus.