The number of mosquitoes which test positive at the West
Nile virus check in
California
increases with each week. State authorities said that this week more mosquitoes
infected with the virus were found than in any other week so far.
The latest sampling found out that, of 2,115 samples, 195
mosquitoes were infected, said Lea Brooks, spokeswoman for the California state
department of public health. So far, the highest number of infected insects
found was of 151 during a week in July 2005.
Two birds were also infected with the West Nile virus in Burlington County, the local health department said
in a statement. Burlington
County officials issued a
warning yesterday.
However, the number of infected mosquitoes is expected to
drop once the autumn starts to bring cold temperatures.
On the other hand, the number of
humans infected with the Wets Nile virus is much lower this year, 78, compared
to the 120 victims of 2007. Fortunately, there were no human deaths due to the
virus infection this year.
The West Nile virus can
infect the humans through contact with mosquito bites that get it from infected
birds. The typical symptoms of the virus are mild symptoms similar to those of a
flu (fever, headache, body aches and skin rash), but in some cases can develop
very dangerous complications.
The elderly and those with a week immune system are the most
exposed to infection with West Nile virus, said Burlington County
epidemiologist Jennifer Horner.
Mosquito populations in Burlington County
are being monitored as the Highway Department's Mosquito Control Division is
currently carrying out ground and aerial larvicide treatment.
Meanwhile, the area next to the Mann
Music Center
in Fairmount Park will be sprayed by units of the
Department of Public Health's Vector Control tonight with Anvil 10-10, a
synthetic pyrethroid product which kills mosquitoes on contact and poses no
threat to humans.
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