MAYVILLE -The West Nile Virus has once again returned to Chautauqua County and health officials are reminding the public to take precautions to reduce the chances of being exposed to the virus. In a media release sent out yesterday afternoon, county health officials say the New York State Department of Health Arbovirus Laboratory notified them of a West Nile virus positive mosquito pool found in Chautauqua County. It’s the first time the virus has been detected since August of 2006.
County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says residents should not be alarmed by the news, but the findings do reinforce that there is a continuing threat of West Nile Virus transmission in the county. She adds that it is extremely important that people take precautions to keep mosquitoes from biting them and take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause serious illness and occasionally death. Many people who contract West Nile virus do not experience any type of illness; an estimated 20 percent of people who become infected will develop mild symptoms including fever, headache and body aches, and possibly a skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Severe infection causes symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, headaches, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. People of all ages are at risk for infection but people over age 50 and younger than age 16 are at greatest risk.
For more information on steps to follow to avoid mosquito bites and the chance of being exposed to the virus, visit www.cdc.gov or call the Health Department at 1-866-604-6789.
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