West Nile Virus Found in Nashua | Best doctor tips and advice
West Nile Virus Found in Nashua CONCORD, NH — The state of New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services announced on Sept. 16, 2016, that after testing a batch of mosquitoes in the city of Nashua, it has found a batch that has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This batch is the first mosquito batch to be found to test positive this season, according to a press statement from Nicola Whitley of the NH DHHS.
“This is the first positive mosquito test result in New Hampshire this season,” said NH State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “New Hampshire residents and visitors should take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes as we head into the fall, the most risky time of year for mosquito-borne illnesses such as WNV and EEE.”
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WNV, along with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), are arboviruses that are transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV was first identified in New Hampshire in August 2000. The NH Public Health Lab has tested 1,373 mosquito batches, six animals, and 30 people so far this season for WNV and EEE.
“There have been no positive tests for EEE yet this year,” Whitley noted.
Last year, three mosquito batches tested positive for WNV in New Hampshire and there were two positive batches for EEE. One animal tested positive for WNV last year but there were no EEE positive animals. No humans tested positive for WNV or EEE last year.
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Officials advise residents and visitors of the state to protect themselves and their family members by using an effective mosquito repellent that contains 30 percent DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from around your home so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed. Repellents with picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products also provide protection against mosquito bites.
Symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
“A very small percentage of individuals infected with WNV can go on to develop more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis,” Whitley said. “If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your local medical provider.”
Anyone with questions about WNV/EEE can call the New Hampshire Bureau if Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496. Other information about EEE and West Nile virus are available on the DHHS website at dhhs.nh.govand on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
source:http://patch.com/new-hampshire/nashua/west-nile-virus-found-nashua-icymi
