The provided text discusses West Nile virus (WNV) and its prevalence in Massachusetts. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts:
What is West nile Virus?
It’s a mosquito-borne virus.
Most people infected don’t develop symptoms.
About 1 in 5 infected people develop a fever with symptoms like headache, body aches, gastrointestinal issues, joint pains, or a rash.
About 1 in 150 infected people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system.Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, potential exposure to infected mosquitoes, and testing of blood or spinal fluid.
There is no specific treatment for WNV, but symptoms can be managed while the body fights it off.
Reducing the Risk of West Nile Virus:
The Boston Public health Commission (BPHC) recommends:
Eliminating standing water: Emptying and cleaning bird baths, unused flower pots, kiddie pools, gutters, and old tires. Ensuring screens are intact: Making sure window and door screens fit properly and have no holes.
Avoiding peak mosquito activity: Staying indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Protective clothing and repellents: Wearing long clothing, high socks, and using EPA-approved insect repellents (DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535) when outdoors.Prevalence in Massachusetts:
This season, 10 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV across Massachusetts.
positive samples were found in Shrewsbury, Falmouth, and Watertown in June.
* In July,positive samples were found in Boston,Chelsea,Swansea,Barnstable,Cambridge,and Malden.
The article also provides links to the CDC for more information on WNV and to the BPHC’s website.