A worker at the county health department's mosquito laboratory in West Monroe separates species of mosquitoes for testing. Samples of mosquitoes that could carry the EEE virus are sent to the state Department of Health laboratory every week during the summer and tested to see if the EEE virus is present in Oswego County.
OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang reported today (Sept. 25) that an Oswego city resident is recovering at home after being diagnosed with West Nile virus.
The adult resident was hospitalized and released and is doing well.
This is the first human case of West Nile virus in Oswego County this year.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
It is estimated that 20 percent of people who become infected with West Nile will develop less severe symptoms including fever, headache and body aches, nausea.
In some cases, the virus can cause severe infection including inflammation and swelling of the brain.
Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, and a headache.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
“West Nile virus has been found in multiple mosquito samples collected in Oswego County and the neighboring counties this summer,” added Huang. “The virus is considered widespread in the region. It is important that county residents continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites until the first heavy frost comes.”
People can reduce their chances of being exposed to viruses carried by mosquitoes by using insect repellents, and by reducing the mosquito population around their homes.
The Oswego County Health Department advises people to:
• Use a mosquito repellent according to label directions.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors for long periods of time, and when mosquitoes are most active, between dusk and dawn.
• Empty pails, swimming pool covers, flower pots and other containers of standing water around the home and yard.
• Remove all discarded tires from around your property.
• Replace or repair broken screens.
For more information about protecting your family against mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3564 or visit the New York State Department of Health https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/
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