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Oxford's First Human Case of West Nile

Friday, 24 August 2018 16:44

Southwestern Public Health is reporting its first human case of West Nile in Oxford County.

OXFORD COUNTY - A local adult has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Southwestern Public Health says this is the first human case in Oxford County this year. The patient was hospitalized but it now recovering in the comfort of their own home.

Elaine Reddick, the Manager of Infectious Diseases says West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.

"Most people with West Nile virus never develop symptoms and don't know they have the virus. This first human case is further proof the virus is circulating in Oxford County and should serve as a reminder to local residents to continue using preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection."

The symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days afterwards and include; fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More serious cases could cause brain swelling, loss of vision, paralysis and even brain damage.

If you're planning on spending time outside, make sure you follow these tips to protect yourself;
- Dress in long sleeved clothing.
- Wear bug spray with DEET or icaridin.
- Be extra cautious around dusk and dawn.
- Make sure you home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

You should also eliminate mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water around your home. This could be a bird bath, kiddie pool or empty buckets. It's also a good idea to make sure your grass is cut and bushes are trimmed in high use areas.

Southwestern Public Health traps and test mosquitoes pools on a weekly basis all summer long, in hopes of tracking the virus.

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