The Vermont Department of Health has detected West Nile virus in three batches of mosquitoes from Springfield. It is the first time mosquitos have tested positive in Vermont this year.
The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets collected the mosquitos on July 22, and the Department of Health tested the mosquitos. This year the state has tested 1,581 batches of mosquitoes for West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitic since June 4. EEE has not been found this year.
Patsy Kelso, state epidemiologist for infectious disease, said finding the virus this time of year is not unusual.
“Late summer is when the risk of human illness is highest, so we’re reminding everyone to talk precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Kelso said in a statement.
West Nile virus, which can infect birds and animals, was first contracted by a human in 2002, according to the department.
The virus has been detected in every county of Vermont, and in 2012, three people were infected. That year, EEE was responsible for two fatalities in Vermont.
In response to the deaths, the state increased mosquito monitoring efforts in 2013.
West Nile virus can cause a serious neurologic illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). These cases affect about 1 percent of people who become infected. Seventy percent to 80 percent of people infected with the virus do not have symptoms. West Nile symptoms can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. People over the age of 60 are more vulnerable to the virus.
The Vermont Department of Health recommends the following prevention steps:
Limit time outside from dusk to dawn
Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors
Use insect repellents
Get rid of standing water
Install or repair screens on windows and doors
