[ad_1]
The first case of West Nile virus has been reported this season, after the hospitalization of a man in his sixties.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that the affected man lives in Middlesex County.
"We have not seen much activity of West Nile virus this year," said Monica Bharel, public health commissioner. "Nevertheless, today's news is a compelling reminder that we must all continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites."
The risk of infection with West Nile virus in humans remains low in this state, she said.
The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites. Most people who are infected with the virus have no symptoms and some may have fever and flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, this can cause a more serious illness and people over 50 are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill, she said.
In 2018, 49 people were identified as infected with the virus, said Bharel.
This year, the most important problem has been equine encephalitis of the East, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause much more serious diseases and can be fatal. This year, seven cases were reported in Massachusetts, including a 5-year-old girl in Sudbury and a 60-year-old in Northborough.
7 cases of disease transmitted by EEE mosquitoes now confirmed in Massachusetts, including a 5-year-old girl; level of risk in several communities high to critical
Health authorities have raised the risk level of Eastern equine encephalitis to a critical level for several cities in eastern Massachusetts following the confirmation of two new EEA cases on Friday. Laboratory tests confirmed an elderly woman from Worcester County and a teenage woman.
"While Massachusetts is experiencing a very active season for another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, it is the first human case of (West Nile virus)," said Dr. Catherine Brown, Chief Epidemiologist. "We continue to strongly recommend personal precautions to reduce your risk of contracting all mosquito-borne diseases."
On August 29, a Granby horse was also infected with the EEE virus. The department has now confirmed that this horse is stable in Connecticut. As a result, the cities of Granby, Belchertown, Ludlow, Chicopee and South Hadley have all been reduced to moderate risk.
Other communities, including Framingham, Marlborough, Northborough and Sudbury, are classified as critically risky and Berlin, Boylston, Hudson, Maynard, Stow and Wayland are considered high risk.
Officials recommend people avoid staying out from dusk till dawn as they are biting spikes for many mosquitoes.
Several secondary schools have reprogrammed night football matches and other sports events due to risk. Spraying has taken place in some critical risk communities.
It is also advisable for people to use a mosquito repellent with DEET and wear pants, long sleeves and socks during outdoor outings, especially at dusk.
Residents are also urged to drain any stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding. They should also repair the mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
[ad_2]
Source link