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Massachusetts, State Health Officials Announce Additional Human and Horse Cases of WNV Infection (Health Dept., September 5 2012)
[Source: Massachusetts Department of Health, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
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For Immediate release - September 05, 2012
State Health Officials Announce Additional Human and Horse Cases of WNV Infection
Another human case in Middlesex County, and in a horse stabled in Hampden County
BOSTON ? The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two new cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the state. The first case involves a female resident of Middlesex County in her 30s who has recovered from her illness. Current WNV threat levels in Middlesex County are not impacted by this finding. The second case pertains to a horse stabled in Hampden County. As a result of the Hampden County case, the WNV threat level has been raised to ?Critical? in Chicopee and to ?High? in Granby, Holyoke, Springfield, South Hadley, and West Springfield.
?These results show that the threat of mosquito-borne illness remains a serious concern across the state,? said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. ?We need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active.?
WNV infected mosquitoes have been found in 101 communities from nine counties so far during 2012, and health officials predict that the state is on track to have the greatest number of WNV-positive mosquito pools since WNV was first seen in Massachusetts in 2000.
There have been eight human cases of WNV in Massachusetts prior to today?s announcement ? six in Middlesex County, one in Hampden County and one in Berkshire County.
There were six cases of WNV in Massachusetts residents and one in a horse last year.
While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools ? especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2012, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
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-State Health Officials Announce Additional Human and Horse Cases of WNV Infection
Another human case in Middlesex County, and in a horse stabled in Hampden County
BOSTON ? The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two new cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the state. The first case involves a female resident of Middlesex County in her 30s who has recovered from her illness. Current WNV threat levels in Middlesex County are not impacted by this finding. The second case pertains to a horse stabled in Hampden County. As a result of the Hampden County case, the WNV threat level has been raised to ?Critical? in Chicopee and to ?High? in Granby, Holyoke, Springfield, South Hadley, and West Springfield.
?These results show that the threat of mosquito-borne illness remains a serious concern across the state,? said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. ?We need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active.?
WNV infected mosquitoes have been found in 101 communities from nine counties so far during 2012, and health officials predict that the state is on track to have the greatest number of WNV-positive mosquito pools since WNV was first seen in Massachusetts in 2000.
There have been eight human cases of WNV in Massachusetts prior to today?s announcement ? six in Middlesex County, one in Hampden County and one in Berkshire County.
There were six cases of WNV in Massachusetts residents and one in a horse last year.
While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
- Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools ? especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2012, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
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