Niagara County Department of Health confirms case of West Nile virus

Urges residents to practice prevention and protection against mosquitoes

The Niagara County Department of Health is reporting the first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year. The infected resident is currently hospitalized and receiving care.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus infections occur most often during the summer and early fall. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, 70%-80% of those infected with West Nile virus show little to no symptoms. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, more severe symptoms and death can occur. More severe symptoms of West Nile virus may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Individuals over 50 are at the highest risk for serious illness. 

Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton urges residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their homes from mosquitoes.

"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," he said.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes:

√ 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.

Learn more:

√ For more information on insect repellants, visit the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents

√ For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/fact_sheet.htm or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/index.html.