2008 Woodie Awards
West Nile Virus detected in Pioneer Valley
Stephanie McPherson, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News
The West Nile virus has been detected in the Pioneer Valley, according to a news release. A sampling of mosquitoes tested positive for the disease in the Amherst area.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health states on their Web site that starting this past June, mosquitoes have been routinely collected and tested for the potentially deadly virus.
The West Nile virus was commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East before it became prevalent in the western hemisphere as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
MDPH fact sheet states that while many who are infected may not show any outward symptoms, about 20 percent will experience flu-like symptoms, including a rash, fever, nausea and body aches.
The danger of the West Nile virus occurs in a mere one percent of cases. The virus can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), meningitis (an inflammation of the brain casing) or meningoencephalitis (a combination of the two). These diseases can cause coma, muscle weakness, paralysis or even death.
Anyone with a history of a weak immune system or those over 50 years old are most susceptible to the dangerous effects of the West Nile virus.
In 2008, only 44 dead birds reported tested positive for the West Nile virus, while 81 of the mosquito pools had the disease, according to the MDPH survey.
Avoiding mosquitoes is the best way to avoid the West Nile virus. Make sure stagnant water is changed frequently and wear bug spray when going outside, especially at night.
A sign that the West Nile virus is in the area is an increase in dead birds. If a dead bird is found, do not touch it - report it to Pest Control at (413) 545-0600 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or to Environmental Health and Safety at (413) 545-2682 after 3 p.m. and on weekends.
Stephanie McPherson can be reached at smcphers@dailycollegian.com
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health states on their Web site that starting this past June, mosquitoes have been routinely collected and tested for the potentially deadly virus.
The West Nile virus was commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East before it became prevalent in the western hemisphere as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
MDPH fact sheet states that while many who are infected may not show any outward symptoms, about 20 percent will experience flu-like symptoms, including a rash, fever, nausea and body aches.
The danger of the West Nile virus occurs in a mere one percent of cases. The virus can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), meningitis (an inflammation of the brain casing) or meningoencephalitis (a combination of the two). These diseases can cause coma, muscle weakness, paralysis or even death.
Anyone with a history of a weak immune system or those over 50 years old are most susceptible to the dangerous effects of the West Nile virus.
In 2008, only 44 dead birds reported tested positive for the West Nile virus, while 81 of the mosquito pools had the disease, according to the MDPH survey.
Avoiding mosquitoes is the best way to avoid the West Nile virus. Make sure stagnant water is changed frequently and wear bug spray when going outside, especially at night.
A sign that the West Nile virus is in the area is an increase in dead birds. If a dead bird is found, do not touch it - report it to Pest Control at (413) 545-0600 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or to Environmental Health and Safety at (413) 545-2682 after 3 p.m. and on weekends.
Stephanie McPherson can be reached at smcphers@dailycollegian.com
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