According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the main cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

The surge in infections is most common in the summer and autumn months. Camden County Health Officer It was recently announced that a Camden man who died last month tested positive for the virus.

He was hospitalized with symptoms for the first time on July 16. After receiving treatment, he was transferred to a subacute care center and later died.

Camden County Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako said: “West Nile virus usually affects a small number of New Jersey residents every year, but the prevalence of the virus has been increasing recently,” adding that the Department of Health and the County Mosquito Control Board will do more Spray to kill mosquitoes and will test other insects for viruses.

This New Jersey Department of Health According to the report, West Nile virus was detected in 23 mosquito pools in Camden County during the week of July 19-24. So far this year, 70 swimming pools in New Jersey have tested positive.

Pennsylvania reported its first positive case of West Nile virus from a mosquito sample in Pennsylvania in late May. Lebanon County Mosquito-borne Disease Control ProjectSince then, Philadelphia has reported about 23 positive samples. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

According to the CDC, as of July 27, Pennsylvania has not reported human cases of West Nile Virus.

Knowledge about West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus It is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although most people infected with the virus still have no symptoms, about one in five people may develop fever and other symptoms. According to CDC, the most common symptoms are fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rash. Fatigue and weakness may last for weeks or months.

Federal agencies report that 1 in 150 infected people may have serious illnesses, including encephalitis Either meningitis, Both will affect the central nervous system. More serious symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremor, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis.

Approximately 10% of critically ill patients will die. People over 60 years of age, real young people, and people with certain diseases (such as cancer and diabetes) are at the highest risk of serious illnesses from West Nile Virus.

Health officials said that the best way to protect yourself from infection is to use an insect repellent registered by the Environmental Protection Agency that contains one of the following ingredients: DEET, Pacaridin, IR3535, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, P-menthanediol Or 2-Undecanone. They can be used safely, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

They also recommend avoiding areas with standing water. Check your property to make sure that there are no pools, which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Remember, even swimming pools or landscape ponds can attract them.