Human case of West Nile Virus reported in Monroe County

Posted at: 09/11/2012 1:43 PM | Updated at: 09/11/2012 5:39 PM
By: Lynette Adams | WHEC.com

Monroe County Health officials are warning residents to be on alert after a case of West Nile Virus was reported in the county. 

Monroe County Health Department spokesperson John Ricci says the person who contracted the West Nile Virus is middle aged and contracted the virus two weeks ago, experienced some mild flu-like symptoms and went to the doctor. 

Ricci says this was not a particularly serious case, but advises you to be on guard over the next month or so, using precautions if you are going to be outdoors in the evening when mosquitoes tend to be out. 

West Nile Virus became a concern in this country around 1999. Symptoms can range from nothing at all to flu-like symptoms to very serious symptoms like meningitis. West Nile can even cause death. Richie says less than one percent of mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus. He says there is no need to panic because of this case. Just protect yourself when you’re outdoors around mosquitoes. 

People 50 and older with chronic illness are most at risk of getting seriously ill from West Nile Virus.

New York State has reported 34 reported cases so far in 2012.

Protective recommendations:
- Minimize outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin (when practical)
- Use insect repellent containing DEET. Be certain to follow manufacturer's instructions and wash off the repellent once inside for the evening
- Drain standing water on property and empty any containers that can hold water to reduce mosquito breeding areas
- Make sure windows have screens that are in good condition

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