No Dartmouth cases but Bristol County in 'moderate' risk for West Nile Virus
West Nile virus can only be transmitted by mosquitos. Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
West Nile virus can only be transmitted by mosquitos. Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
Dartmouth is currently labeled as having moderate risk for West Nile Virus.
West Nile is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. According to the Massachusetts government, about 80% of those infected will not show symptoms. Symptoms include fevers, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, sometimes swollen lymph glands and occasionally rashes.
Symptoms of a severe case are neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures/convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Under 1% of those can develop more severe issues such as encephalitis and meningitis.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, a mosquito in New Bedford tested positive for West Nile. Other mosquitoes across Bristol County have tested positive, with the latest test being done in Swansea on Thursday, Aug. 20, when two mosquitoes tested positive.
There have been no positive human or animal cases of West Nile in Bristol County.
However, due to the county being in moderate risk, the Massachusetts government recommends repairing screens, be aware of stagnant water, dump standing water twice a week, use mosquito nets on baby carriages and playpens, and wear long sleeves, long pants and mosquito repellent between dusk and dawn when the weather allows.
Doctors can test for West Nile, but there is currently no treatment besides rest and fluids.
