LOCKPORT, N.Y. — The Niagara County Department of Health say they have a confirmed case of West Nile Virus. This is the first confirmed case this year.
They say the resident is currently hospitalized and receiving care.
Health officials say the virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Those that contract West Nile Virus may show little to no symptoms. Some symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Very few people may have severe symptoms such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
People over 50 are at the highest risk for serious illness.
"The most effective way to reduce the risk of infection from West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the mosquito population in and around your home," said Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton.
Here are some tips to minimize your risk of getting the West Nile Virus:
- Minimize exposure to mosquito bites by using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. While administering insect repellent, be sure to follow all label instructions. Adults should apply repellent to their own hands first and then apply it to children’s exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeves, and long pants, tuck pants into socks, and tuck shirts into pants when outdoors during increased mosquito activity times at dusk or dawn.
- Remove sources of standing water.
- Maintain and repair window and door screens.
For more information on insect repellants visit the EPA: www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
For more information on West Nile Virus visit: www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/fact_sheet