West Nile Virus Now Confirmed by CDC in Maine
has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the state. Also, West Nile virus has now been confirmed in a Pennsylvania resident who was visiting the state. She contracted the virus before she arrived in Maine, so she’s being counted as a Pennsylvania case instead of a Maine case.
This is the earliest West Nile virus has been identified in mosquitoes in Maine. The last time was from a mosquito pool in 2010. There has been a recent increase in regional activity over the last month, including multiple positive mosquito pools in New Hampshire and human and equine cases in Massachusetts.
From the CDC:
To protect against WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses:
• Use an EPA approved repellent when outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk – always follow the instructions on the product’s label.
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.
• Use screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when many species of mosquitoes are most active.
• Practice household mosquito-source reduction: standing water should be removed from artificial water-holding containers in and around the house.
Reporting:
All suspect cases, and any positive laboratory reports should be reported by phone to the disease reporting and consultation line at 1-800-821-5821 or by fax to 1-800-293-7534.