Residents of the New York state are being reminded by public health officials in New York about the dangers that are being posed by mosquitoes ever since the West Nile virus had been found in two counties.
The NY State Department of Health says that people have to get rid of standing water in their yards for protecting themselves. Places such as used tires, pots, clogged gutters, pools and outdoor recycling containers can all serve as areas where mosquitoes breed. Additionally, they must use mosquito repellant and also stay away from outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
This virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes of Suffolk and Rockland counties this year. This is the first time such a disease has been found in the state. Fortunately, another mosquito-borne illness known as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis hasn’t been found in the state this year so far.
West Nile virus generally gets transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and the risk of getting infected can be reduced by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. So far, there are no medications for treating this infection or nor is there any vaccines for preventing it. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms and about 1 in every 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious and sometimes fatal and neurologic illness.
