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Dr. Indu Gupta, Health Commissioner of Onondaga County, said today that the first cases of West Nile virus infection in humans in 2018 had been reported in two adults residing in Onondaga County. After being hospitalized in local hospitals earlier this month, both men were released in stable conditions and are recovering at home.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and is considered endemic or widespread in central New York. Dr. Gupta explained this. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in many mosquito traps throughout the county this summer.
While most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, 1 in 5 infected people develop fever with symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Serious illness can happen at any age, but people over 60 and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or organ transplants are at higher risk. Symptoms of a serious illness may include headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and coma that may result in death. death. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV infection. Consult your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Dr. Gupta continued, "Even though the number of mosquitoes has dropped at this time of year, we continue to see positive mosquito stocks in our weekly mosquito traps. It only takes one infected mosquito to transmit the infection to humans. Therefore, it is best to protect against mosquito bites. Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. The application of a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridine, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecane is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent on your face or directly on children; put it on your hands and apply it to your child. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the application.
It is also important to get rid of mosquito breeding areas to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your house:
• Discard outer containers, ceramic pots or containers containing water
• Remove all tires from your property
• Clean clogged gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
• Turn wheelbarrows and wading pools around when not in use
• Change the water in the bird baths at least every four days
• Clean chlorinated pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where stagnant water accumulates
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