A Pennsylvania woman in her 80s has died after contracting West Nile virus, well being officers mentioned this week.
The woman lived in Pittsburgh and is the primary human case reported in Allegheny County this year, in keeping with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD).
Officials mentioned the woman skilled fever and weak spot and used to be in the end hospitalized earlier than she gave up the ghost in overdue September. No different information in regards to the affected person might be launched, the dept mentioned.
Earlier this summer time, the ACHD said it had detected West Nile virus in Pittsburgh-area mosquitoes.
ACHD officers mentioned in this week’s announcement that they’re putting in further traps, together with in the community the place the affected person lived, and are concentrated on different spaces with a mosquito pesticide.
West Nile virus is the main reason of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It used to be first introduced in the Western Hemisphere all through the summer time of 1999, after other people had been recognized in New York City.
A feminine Aedes albopictus mosquito feeding on a human host.
Smith Collection/GADO/Getty Images, FILE
Mosquitoes normally turn into inflamed with the virus after feeding on inflamed birds, after which spread it to people and different animals when biting them, the federal well being company mentioned. West Nile virus isn’t unfold thru coughing, sneezing, interpersonal touch, or consuming inflamed animals, similar to birds.
Most other people with West Nile virus don’t revel in symptoms, however about one in 5 will revel in fever along side complications, frame aches, joint ache, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash. Most signs quickly disappear, despite the fact that weak spot and fatigue would possibly closing for weeks or months.
About one in 150 other people inflamed with West Nile virus will increase critical illness resulting in encephalitis, which is irritation of the mind, or meningitis, which is irritation of the membranes that encompass the mind and spinal twine. Both prerequisites will also be deadly.
There are these days no vaccines for West Nile virus, nor disease-specific therapies. The CDC recommends relaxation, fluids, and over the counter drugs to regard the an infection. Those with critical sickness would possibly wish to be hospitalized and obtain further make stronger therapies, similar to intravenous fluids.
This year, Pennsylvania has reported 10 instances of West Nile virus to the CDC, in keeping with the Allegheny County Health Department. There had been two instances of West Nile virus in Allegheny County closing year and 3 instances in 2021.
To best protect yourself from an infection, or from mosquito bites in basic, the CDC suggests the use of insect repellent, dressed in long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothes and power with insecticide, and taking broader steps to keep an eye on mosquitoes. This closing step comprises hanging monitors on home windows and doorways, the use of air con, and incessantly emptying bins stuffed with nonetheless or stagnant water.
The Allegheny County Health Department mentioned citizens who see mosquito breeding websites can report them online, or via calling (412) 350-4046.
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