WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – West Nile Virus, a potentially serious illness transmitted by mosquitoes has been detected in Hampden County.
Second human case of West Nile Virus in the state reported in Middlesex County Mosquito bites are not only itchy and annoying, but they can also be dangerous. The warm weather has led to an increase in mosquito populations, which can transmit diseases like the West Nile Virus.
“You first get infected with West Nile with the mosquito bite, and after that, the virus tries to find its way through your body. In most patients, your immune system can clear it out without any issue,” said a Physician for infectious diseases at Baystate Medical Center, Dr. Esteban Delpilar.
The presence of West Nile Virus in local mosquitoes and the diagnosis of a severe case in a human underscore the importance of vigilance and protective actions during the peak mosquito season. Although most people infected with West Nile Virus won’t show any symptoms some can get severe neurological illnesses, like encephalitis.
Dr. Delpilar explains what this illness is, “basically means an inflammation of the brain where the operation then becomes altered and they become lethargic, they can even develop seizures,” he said.
He says only 10 percent of patients who get exposed to the virus will develop West Nile fever. Just recently, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a man from Hampden County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus.
A man in his 40s from Hampden County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, making it the first human case in the county, highlighting the need for residents to take preventive measures against mosquito-borne illnesses. The second confirmed case was exposed in Middlesex County.
A collection of mosquitoes in West Springfield also tested positive for West Nile Virus.
“Anything that could cause any pathological kind of disease or anything like that is worth a concern at least, but just gotta keep living your life and protect yourself the best you can,” said Issac Mirzay of West Springfield.
“People can take measures on their own for protecting their property by making sure they don’t have any standing water and also using EPA registered repellents when they go out or just wearing long pants, long sleeves when you go out during high mosquito activity time,” added Director of Public Health for West Springfield, Jeanne Galloway.
Health officials say we likely can expect more cases, if not in our area, than across the state, since August to September is the peak season for this virus. Massachusetts usually sees about 10 cases a year.
To see the risk levels in your area, for both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), click here.
Latest Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Most Popular
Comments / 0