Almost two weeks ago, health authorities in Illinois confirms detecting the West Nile virus in a mosquito sample. This time, the Department of Public Health announced on Thursday, July 2, that Massachusetts has also detected the same virus in a mosquito sample.
The state health department said that the sample was collected on Tuesday, June 29, in the town of Medford in Middlesex County. This marks the first detection of the West Nile virus in the state this year.
West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
The state health officials said that no humans or animals had been tested positive for West Nile virus or the other mosquito-borne disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Moreover, they pointed out that there is no elevated risk level or risk level change associated with the recent findings of the laboratory results of the mosquito sample.
"The first WNV infected mosquito of the season is always a signal that it is time to start taking steps to avoid mosquito bites," acting DPH commissioner Margret Cooke said as quoted by WCVB news outlet. "WNV is part of summer in Massachusetts and as we head into this long holiday weekend, it is important to remember that while WNV can cause serious illness, there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones."
Cooke added that the first West Nile-infected mosquito of the season always signals the right time to start taking measures to avoid getting bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes.
Last year, eight people tested positive for the West Nile virus in Massachusetts, CBS Boston reported. While in 2018, the state recorded 49 people diagnosed with the viral disease, it is the highest number in the history of Massachusetts.
Residents are urged to use insect repellents and wear clothes that limit skin exposure when outside, especially during dawn and dusk,
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Symptoms and Treatment of West Nile Virus
According to the CDC, around 8 out of 10 West Nile virus-infected people would not experience any symptoms. While 1 out of 5 could experience Febrile illness or fever with a headache, body ache, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes. People who have this type of infection typically recover faster.
However, for some severe cases, which affects 1 out of 150 people, the severe illness could affect the central nervous system that could cause encephalitis or meningitis.
Symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. People over 60 years old are at most risk of developing the severe form of the illness, although it could affect any person at any age.
Recovery could last from several weeks to months, but damage to the central nervous system may be permanent. Around 1 in 10 people with CNS damage due to severe illness die.
As of now, CDC said that there is no vaccine yet available or any specific antiviral treatments for the West Nile virus infection. But there are over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used to reduce the fever and relieve some symptoms of the infection. In severe cases, it is best to immediately consult a doctor to receive the appropriate care.
Read also: West Nile Virus 2021: Illinois Confirms First Positive Mosquitoes; No Humans Infected So Far
Check out more news and information on the West Nile Virus in Science Times.
