All articles tagged with #west nile
This summer sees a higher-than-usual spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S., led by an early, active West Nile season and locally acquired dengue in Florida, as warmer temperatures and longer mosquito seasons expand mosquito activity and range, prompting warnings and emphasis on prevention and surveillance.
The Florida Department of Health in Duval County confirms a locally acquired West Nile virus infection, prompting coordinated prevention with Jacksonville Mosquito Control that includes ground spraying and public guidance to drain standing water, protect skin with clothing and repellents, and repair home screens; most people infected have no or mild symptoms, while a small percentage may develop severe illness, and statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases continues.
West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected July 30 in Green Township, marking Hamilton County Public Health's first local detection this year; there are no confirmed or probable human cases in the health department's jurisdiction. Beginning Thursday, environmental health specialists will treat standing water in the affected area with larvicide and may visit residents. Officials urge residents to Drain, Dunk, Protect to reduce mosquito populations: drain standing water, dunk larvicide where water cannot be drained, and protect by avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn and using repellent. The health department's jurisdiction does not include Cincinnati, Norwood or Springdale.
Chicago-area mosquito districts report higher populations of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, which is active in daylight and can take multiple blood meals, making residents feel more bites this summer. Researchers say it’s now the third-most common species in traps around the north suburbs, partly due to warm, damp conditions that boost breeding near homes. The species can transmit diseases like West Nile, so residents should eliminate standing water and use bug spray to protect themselves outdoors.
A dangerous West Nile virus surge is sweeping 13 Orange County cities, with 38 positive mosquito samples this season and Fullerton accounting for about 40% of cases. Officials have begun overnight spraying in a 4.5-square-mile area of Fullerton, while residents are urged to eliminate standing water, clean bird baths and pet bowls, fix screens, and use DEET- or picaridin-based repellents. West Nile is spread by mosquitoes; most people recover or have mild symptoms, but severe infections can cause encephalitis or meningitis, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are appearing earlier in New Jersey, likely due to climate change, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Residents are advised to contact local mosquito control programs, eliminate standing water, and use EPA-approved repellents to protect themselves from bites and potential illness.
Douglas County in Nebraska has reported five confirmed cases of West Nile virus, with two patients requiring hospitalization. The infected individuals, aged between 40 and 75, are suspected to have contracted the virus while traveling. Two pools of mosquitoes in Douglas County have tested positive for the virus. Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water. Last year, Douglas County had six confirmed cases of West Nile virus.
Black Hawk County in Iowa is experiencing a rise in the number of West Nile infected mosquitoes, with double the amount compared to last year. The county health department is urging residents to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using bug spray, and eliminating sources of standing water. The bugs are being collected and sent to Iowa State University for testing to understand the reasons behind the increase. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, body aches, and chills, and individuals who feel sick are advised to seek medical care.
South Dakota has reported 21 human cases of West Nile across 16 different counties, with health officials predicting a total of 61 cases for the 2023 season. Nationwide, there have been 247 cases in over 30 states. Eight counties in South Dakota have mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile. Health officials advise taking precautions such as wearing bug spray, removing standing water, and being cautious at dusk and dawn.
Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly made hateful threats and attempted to run over a group of people at a park in Rancho Cordova, California. The man, identified as Robert Steven Avery, is considered armed and dangerous. In another incident, two firefighting helicopters collided in Riverside County, resulting in the deaths of three people. The crash occurred while the helicopters were responding to a vegetation fire. Additionally, Yolo County is experiencing increased West Nile virus activity, and there is a high risk of wildfires across the Central Valley due to hot and dry conditions.
Mosquitoes trapped in Prince George's County, Maryland, have tested positive for the West Nile virus, indicating that the mosquito season in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) region is getting longer. The presence of the virus highlights the need for increased vigilance in mosquito control and prevention measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission.