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Nearly two decades after the appearance of West Nile virus, health officials are still taking note of all mosquito vectors that are buzzing around the state.
In Berks County, summer is the perfect time for mosquito bites and West Nile. According to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, about 60 mosquito samples were tested positive at Berks last June.
Pennsylvania was discovered last week in an Allegheny. The county resident and they had sent the patient's blood for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
The good news is that almost 80 percent of people who contract the virus will not develop symptoms. Some will suffer from headaches, fever and other mild problems. In rare cases, the virus can be fatal.
"It's kind of benign, and most people do not even know when they catch it," says Mari Driscoll, director of infection control and infection control at Penn State Health St. Joseph. . "A very small percentage of people can become seriously ill."
West Nile has existed since 2000 and a coordinated effort spanning 40 counties has focused on combating the spread of the virus and spreading the disease. Public education on prevention
. Until now, more than 1,000 mosquitoes have been tested positive for the virus across Pennsylvania. "I think people need to be aware of the ability of insects to transmit the disease," said Dr. Debra Powell, head of the infectious diseases section and medical director of infection. prevention at the Reading Hospital. "Any way to avoid getting bitten makes a lot of sense."
| Municipality | Positive samples of mosquitoes | |
| Amity | 2 | |
| Bally | 1 | |
| Bern | 3 [19659014] Birdsboro | 1 |
| Boyertown | 1 | |
| Caernarvon | 3 | |
| Center | 2 | |
| Cumru | 2 | |
| Exeter | 7 | |
| Hamburg | 2 | |
| Kenhorst | 2 [19659012] Mohnton | 2 |
| Oley | 1 | |
| Reading | 13 | |
| St. Lawrence | 1 | |
| Shillington | 3 | |
| Shoemakersville | 2 | |
| The South Heidelberg | 1 | |
| The Upper Berne | 1 | |
| The Tulpehocken | 1 | |
| Washington | 1 | |
| Wyomissing | 5 | |
| Total from 26 July | 57 |
Transmission
Local hospital officials could only remember a few Human cases of West Nile
It is likely that people contracted the virus through an infected mosquito, but never realized that they were sick. It is transmitted through infected mosquitoes that transmit the virus to birds, animals and humans.
About 20% of people will develop fever, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting and diarrhea. About 1 in 150 people will suffer from a serious case, which can cause inflammation in the brain or the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
"This is not good," Powell said of severe symptoms. "Some of these patients will die."
There is no treatment or vaccine to protect against the virus. At the hospital, caregivers provide medications that relieve symptoms.
"One can only catch it from a mosquito bite," Driscoll said. "Treatment helps relieve patients who have vomited."
Although the virus does not cause problems for most healthy patients, it can complicate things for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and diabetes. Other vulnerable populations.
"I think what people need to remember, is that if you have comorbidities, it can make things worse," Driscoll said. "If you have diabetes and you feel unwell and do not eat, your blood sugar may be out of reach."
Prevention
Wearing long sleeves and long pants reduces risk mosquito bite, said Powell. It's a good idea to pay attention at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are looking to feed themselves, as well. Draining stagnant water in tires or small outdoor pools is another smart way for prevention.
Powell says that West Nile mosquitoes will be present at Berks for the foreseeable future, but it is rare that they cause serious health problems. Yet people must take precautions.
"It is important that the public be aware and that it is a risk we have in this area," Powell said.
There are many other disease-carrying insects that
People planning to visit Zika-affected countries should also take note, especially if they are pregnant or are trying to to become pregnant, said Mr. Powell. Ticks carrying Lyme disease or Babesia are still very worrying.
"We see a lot, from Lyme disease to Babesia," Powell said. "We see more each year."
About West Nile Virus
Transmission: West Nile virus is the most prevalent among people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Symptoms: About 8 out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms. About one in five infected people develop fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Severe symptoms occur in about 1 in 150 people who suffer from inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Diagnosis: If you develop symptoms, consult your doctor. . A test can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: No specific vaccine or antiviral treatment against West Nile virus infection is available. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often have to be hospitalized for supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, painkillers, and nursing care.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
