Posted by Tim Darragh at 04:30:19 PM on August 6, 2012
State health officials are reporting the first case of West Nile Virus in a human this year. it's not something to take lightly.
A Franklin County woman is now recovering after being hospitalized with meningitis contracted through the virus, the Pennsylvania Health Department reported today. A Lancaster County woman is also recovering after contracting West Nile fever, the milder form of the virus, it said.
The department urged the public to minimize exposure to mosquitoes because of an "unprecedented level of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus."?
?Pennsylvanians should take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes and prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellants,? said Secretary of Health Eli N. Avila. ?This is even more important for older Pennsylvanians and people with weakened immune systems, since they are at the greatest risk of severe illness -- including encephalitis -- if they develop West Nile virus infection.?
According to a news release, statewide sampling shows higher numbers of WNV-infected mosquitoes than any other summer since monitoring began 10 years ago, a development it said was likely caused by last year?s mild winter.
The risk for WNV infection is highest during August and September and will not end until the first hard frost, it said.
State environmental officials have found mosquitoes carrying the virus in 42 of the state's 67 counties thus far.
The mosquitoes that transmit the virus breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers, it said.
Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include: removing tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. Also:
- Have roof gutters cleaned every year.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.
- Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
According to the department, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
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Source: http://blogs.mcall.com/health/2012/08/west-nile-virus-strikes-in-pennsylvania.html
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