Cape May County Man Tests Positive for West Nile Virus
The Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control says a county man has tested positive for West Nile virus. According to a press release, the Cape May County resident tested positive on August 28 and is hospitalized for treatment. No other information was given about the man.
So far this year, the Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control has 11 collections of mosquitoes that are West Nile virus positive; three from Lower Township, three from Middle Township, three from Avalon, one from North Wildwood, and one from Cape May City. This is the first report of a person in Cape May county being infected with West Nile virus.
The Department of Mosquito Control regularly tests for WNV, as well as for other mosquito-borne diseases throughout the county and sprays for mosquitoes in the affected areas.
“Knowing that WNV is here in the county is a good reminder for people to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” added Health Officer Kevin Thomas.
West Nile is a virus most commonly spread to people by mosquitoes in the summer and fall. WNV cases have been reported in all of the continental United States. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV. Fortunately, most people infected do not have symptoms.
About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
For information about West Nile virus, or other mosquito-borne diseases, call the Health Department at 465-1209 or check the Department’s website at www.cmchealth.net.
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