West Nile Virus and EEE Strike Massachusetts in 2024

Massachusetts confirms first human Case of West Nile virus in 2024 what you need to know as summer reaches its peak the Massachusetts Department of Public Health dph has confirmed the first human Case of West Nile virus wnv for 2024 along with the first animal case of Eastern equin en keytis e the announcement has heightened awareness and concern among residents about these mosquito born illnesses [Music] here's what you need to know to stay informed and safe a seasonal threat emerges mosquito season is in full swing and with it comes the risk of mosquito born diseases this year Massachusetts has reported its first human Case of West Nile virus in Hampton County and the first animal case of Eastern equin entis in plimouth these developments signal a potentially dangerous season for residents across the state understanding West Nile Virus and its impact the basics of West Nile Virus West Nile Virus wnv is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito most people infected with WV do not exhibit symptoms but about 20% May develop mild symptoms such as fever headache and body aches in rare cases severe illness can occur leading to neurological complications like entis or menitis the first case of 2024 the first confirmed human case of WMV in Massachusetts for 2024 involves a man in his 40s from Hampton County this case underscores the importance of vigilance and preventive measures especially as the season progresses into the peak mosquito activity months of August and September the threat of Eastern acin entis what is e Eastern acine entis ee is a rare but severe disease that also spreads through mosquito bites unlike wnv e has a higher ferality rate and can cause significant neurological damage symptoms of ee include fever headache vomiting and in severe cases seizures and coma recent ee activity the first animal case of ee for 2024 was confirmed in a horse in Plymouth additionally ee positive mosquitoes have been detected in several areas including Halifax Kingston bable Asbury and haal the increased de activity has elevated risk levels in multiple communities prompting heightened awareness and precautionary measures the current risk landscape elevated risk areas the detection of e in both animal and mosquito populations has led to varying risk levels across the state Plymouth is currently at high risk while dadam is at low risk other high-risk areas include Cara and middleb BR with 12 additional communities such as Asbury and Halifax at moderate risk the risk of WMV infection remains moderate in the Greater Boston area and parts of Bristol Essex Hampton Plymouth and Worcester counties mosquito surveillance and findings the first wnv positive mosquitoes were identified in Quincy on July 2nd followed by the first e positive mosquitoes found in Cara on July 3rd these early detections highlight the importance of ongoing mosquito surveillance and public health interventions to prevent the spread of these diseases preventive measures and public health recommendations personal protection tips to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential infection the dph recommends several preventive measures use EPA registered insect repellant products containing DEET piden or oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are effective wear long clothing cover your skin as much as possible especially during Peak mosquito activity hours from From Dusk to Dawn avoid Peak mosquito hours mosquitoes are most active during the early morning and evening home protection strategies in addition to personal protection residents are encouraged to Mosquito proof their homes by draining standing water mosquitoes breed in stagnant water so regularly empty containers like flower pots bird baths and gutters maintaining screens ensure that window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out of your home protecting animals from mosquito born diseases precautions for animal owners animals particularly horses are also at risk for mosquito born diseases like e the dph advises animal owners to reduce standing water eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around Barns and Stables keep animals indoors at night this reduces their exposure to mosquitoes consult veterinarians discuss the use of insect repellents and vaccinations to protect animals from diseases like e stay informed and Vigilant as the first human case of westnile virus and the first animal case of Eastern equin entis are confirmed in Massachusetts it's crucial for residents to stay informed and take preventive measures seriously by following Public Health recommendations and remaining Vigilant we can reduce the risk of mosquito born diseases and protect our communities thank you for reading if you found this article helpful please like share and subscribe to our channel for more updates and important information have you taken any preventive measures against mosquito bites this season share your experiences and tips in the comments below let's stay safe and healthy together