Residents urge to take precautions to minimize West Nile virus risk
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a Middlesex County man is the first person to contract West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. The Department of Public Health is trying to determine where the man most likely was exposed to infected mosquitoes. This summer’s weather patterns are producing larger than normal populations of the mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading WNV. September is the time of year when people are most likely to be exposed to infected mosquitoes. Low to moderate WNV risk persists in Sudbury and many surrounding communities.
The main mode of WNV transmission is via mosquitoes, which are the prime vector, with birds being the most commonly infected animal. Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans cause no symptoms. In the case where symptoms do occur, the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms is typically between 2 and 15 days. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain or aches, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Less than 1% of the cases are severe and result in neurological disease when the central nervous system is affected. Residents should contact their physician if symptoms appear.
To minimize risk, the Sudbury Board of Health suggests that residents;
- Pick a repellent with an EPA-approved active ingredient
- Use long sleeves to cover up when possible
- Repair screens
- Remove standing water to help reduce mosquito populations
- Teach children to be aware of mosquito activity around them and avoid it