United States: The Cape May County Department of Health reported seven mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus over the last two months, and another tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
More about the news
According to reports, those seven infected mosquitos were taken from the Upper Township in Cape May City, Woodbine, and Lower Township.
The other one that tested positive for EEE was collected from Lower Township.
Authorities have also informed us that, as nj.com reported, no human infection contracted either by EEE or West Nile virus in Cape May County has come to light as of Monday.
Moreover, the Department of Mosquito Control reported that they would continue conducting tests and spraying to contain the mosquito population in the area.
According to Cape May County Health Officer Kevin Thomas, “Finding West Nile virus and EEE in our area is a reminder for people to take precautions when participating in outdoor activities, particularly during the early morning hours (dawn) and the early evening hours (dusk),” as nj.com reported.
“Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and use mosquito repellent. People should also eliminate any standing water on their property that may serve as a habitat for mosquitoes and keep window screens in good repair,” he continued.
About the virus
According to official reports, no human vaccines are available yet to fight against these diseases. However, vaccines are present for horses, and horse owners are advised to discuss the status of vaccines with their veterinarian.
The department said that both viruses travel from one person to another via the bite of an infected mosquito, which might have gotten it from a contracted bird.
Also, person-to-person communication is uncommon and might happen via blood transfusions or breastfeeding.
Those infected with West Nile virus show mild, while some might not even exhibit any signs, as nj.com reported.
However, as the department notified, the symptoms, mild or severe, occur within three to fifteen days of a bite from an infected mosquito.
Mild symptoms exhibit flu-like illness accompanied by fever, body aches, and skin rash.
In case of severe conditions, a person also suffers from high fever accompanied by neck stiffness and swelling in the brain, leading to coma and even death.