United States: The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported six West Nile virus cases in birds and one case of infection in a person.
More about the news
According to the reports, the virus is mosquito-borne and has been detected in Bangor, Bridgton, Fryeburg, Parsonsfield, and Sidney crows.
Moreover, the virus presence was also detected in a hawk in Yarmouth. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife collected bird reports as a routine surveillance program when they detected the virus’s presence, as pressherald.com reported.
The reports from the Maine CDC also suggest an ongoing investigation in one case of West Nile virus in a Waldo County resident that was not acquired in Maine but during travel outside of the state,” as per the agency’s statement released on Wednesday.
West Nile virus in humans
Several humans have contracted the West Nile virus in the past and generally do not experience any symptoms, whereas few develop some that have milder intensity. The common symptoms involve fever, weakness, joint pains, and nausea.
However, in rare cases, people could have severe symptoms like fever of high fever, meningitis, dizziness, encephalitis, paralysis, coma, and even death.
In Maine, almost twice the total animals have tested positive for West Nile virus as last year. Additionally, testing of mosquito pools has yet to take place this year.
According to Dr. Puthiery Va, Maine CDC director, “While West Nile and other viruses carried by mosquitoes are rare, they can cause serious illness,” as Portland Press Herald reported.
“It’s important that Maine people and visitors take precautions against bites, especially as these viruses are appearing earlier than usual this year. As you enjoy the Maine outdoors, protect yourself with simple steps and speak to your health provider promptly if you experience any symptoms,” he continued.
As per the expert’s reports, the mosquitoes in Maines tend even to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). Earlier in July, a pool of mosquitoes in Orono tested positive for JCV.
So far, no known case of humans being contacted by a locally transmitted mosquito has been detected in Maine this year.
What does the Maine CDC recommend?
The Maine CDC recommended steps that could help prevent the virus, such as draining sources where water is standing and mosquitoes could lay their eggs. Also, when going out, the skin area should be well covered, probably by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
They also advise using repellents that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and having screens fitted to bedroom doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of the house.