Massachusetts’ public health agency has reported this year’s first human cases of the West Nile virus, a deadly disease that can be spread via mosquitoes, and is urging Americans to take precautions.
The second individual, a woman in her 70s, was exposed to the virus in another part of the country, according to the agency, which indicated that there are no additional risk level changes at this time.
The state’s DPH said that the risk of human infection is at a moderate risk level in the Greater Boston area, which includes Middlesex County, Norfolk County, and Suffolk County, as well as in parts of Berkshire County, Bristol County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Plymouth County, and Worcester County.
“This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in Massachusetts residents this year,” said Dr. Robert Goldstein, commissioner of the Massachusetts DPH.
Dr. Goldstein added that Massachusettsans are at the highest risk of contracting the deadly virus in the Bay State during the months of August and September.
“Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread this virus are fairly large this year and we have seen recent increases in the number of WNV-positive mosquito samples from multiple parts of the Commonwealth,” he said.
Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
While the West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, those above the age of 50 are at a higher risk level for severe disease. Most people infected with the virus will experience no symptoms, but severe illness can occur in rare cases.Meanwhile, the Massachusetts DPH has offered tips for residents on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including using repellent when outdoors, wearing long sleeves, and wearing long pants. They also advised people to drain pools and puddles with standing water, which is where mosquitos lay their eggs.
People are also advised to install and repair screens on all windows and doors in their homes, keep gutters clear of debris, cover trash containers, and change the water in pet dishes.
Potentially Dangerous
There are no vaccines or medicines to deal with the West Nile virus, which is a member of the flavivirus genus. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms, while about 1 in 150 people develop a serious illness that can be deadly.“The death rate among those showing symptoms of severe West Nile infection (encephalitis or meningitis) is around 10%. Most severe cases occur in elderly people,” according to the CDC’s website.
West Nile virus is rarely transmitted from one person to another person, as generally, mosquitoes are the primary vector. The primary hosts of the virus are birds, officials say.
Health officials at the University of California–San Francisco said mosquitoes become infected with the pathogen when they feed on infected birds. Crows, jays, ravens, and magpies are particularly susceptible to the West Nile virus.
A form of West Nile virus circulating in Tunisia and Israel in 1999 was imported to New York state, “producing a large and dramatic outbreak that spread throughout the continental United States” in the 2000s, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“The largest outbreaks occurred in Greece, Israel, Romania, Russia and USA,” the WHO said. “Outbreak sites are on major birds migratory routes. In its original range, WNV was prevalent throughout Africa, parts of Europe, Middle East, West Asia, and Australia. Since its introduction in 1999 into USA, the virus has spread and is now widely established from Canada to Venezuela.”
