loading...

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.

More From B98.5