The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the state’s first locally contracted West Nile virus infection in a Maine resident since 2020.State health officials said the case was found in a Cumberland County resident in their 40s who has no history of recent travel outside of Maine, leading them to believe the virus was locally acquired.The Maine CDC said the results are presumptive while waiting for confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.On July 31, state health officials did say they were investigating a West Nile virus case in a Waldo County resident who contracted the virus while traveling outside the state.West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, just like the Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses. None of those viruses can spread from human to human or from human to animal.Many infected people have no symptoms, but some experience fever and flu-like illness. Severe symptoms include encephalitis, brain swelling and meningitis, and inflammation of the spinal cord.The Maine CDC said about one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus may develop a serious and sometimes fatal illness. Recovery may take several weeks to months for survivors, and some will have lifelong impacts.So far this year, the Maine CDC has reported the following mosquito-borne disease cases:EEE in four horses, two emus, one llama and one wild turkeyJamestown Canyon virus in four mosquito pools, which are groups of up to 50 mosquitoes that are regularly tested as part of routine surveillanceWest Nile virus in 15 wild birdsThe Maine CDC said that due to recent results, there is currently a high risk to people living in Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties. All other counties in Maine are at an elevated risk.”One person has now tested positive for locally-acquired WNV and four domestic animals tested positive for EEE just last week,” Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va said in a statement. “Maine people know that mosquitoes are a nuisance, but we want people to be aware that they can also potentially lead to serious consequences for your health. Whether mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or enjoying a meal outside, we want all Maine people to remember to take precautions against mosquito bites whenever you go outside.”The risk of mosquito bites is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.The Maine CDC said people can protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases by taking the following steps:Wear long sleeves and long pantsUse an Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellent on the skin and clothes. Always follow the instructions on the label.Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most activeUse screens on windows and doorsDrain artificial sources of standing water around the home. This is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs.Take steps to prevent mosquito bites when travelingPeople who wish to prevent their pets from contracting mosquito-borne diseases should contact their veterinarian. The Maine CDC said horse owners can protect their animals against the eastern equine encephalitis virus and the West Nile virus through vaccines.The Maine CDC shared the following links for further information on the following topics:Mosquito surveillance reports, including all positive results, are updated weekly at www.maine.gov/dhhs/vectorborne.View answers to frequently asked questions at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mosquitofaq.Learn about repellents at www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/mosquito.htm.Related content:
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the state’s first locally contracted West Nile virus infection in a Maine resident since 2020.
State health officials said the case was found in a Cumberland County resident in their 40s who has no history of recent travel outside of Maine, leading them to believe the virus was locally acquired.
The Maine CDC said the results are presumptive while waiting for confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On July 31, state health officials did say they were investigating a West Nile virus case in a Waldo County resident who contracted the virus while traveling outside the state.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, just like the Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses. None of those viruses can spread from human to human or from human to animal.
Many infected people have no symptoms, but some experience fever and flu-like illness. Severe symptoms include encephalitis, brain swelling and meningitis, and inflammation of the spinal cord.
The Maine CDC said about one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus may develop a serious and sometimes fatal illness. Recovery may take several weeks to months for survivors, and some will have lifelong impacts.
So far this year, the Maine CDC has reported the following mosquito-borne disease cases:
The Maine CDC said that due to recent results, there is currently a high risk to people living in Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties. All other counties in Maine are at an elevated risk.
“One person has now tested positive for locally-acquired WNV and four domestic animals tested positive for EEE just last week,” Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va said in a statement. “Maine people know that mosquitoes are a nuisance, but we want people to be aware that they can also potentially lead to serious consequences for your health. Whether mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or enjoying a meal outside, we want all Maine people to remember to take precautions against mosquito bites whenever you go outside.”
The risk of mosquito bites is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Maine CDC said people can protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases by taking the following steps:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellent on the skin and clothes. Always follow the instructions on the label.
- Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Drain artificial sources of standing water around the home. This is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
- Take steps to prevent mosquito bites when traveling
People who wish to prevent their pets from contracting mosquito-borne diseases should contact their veterinarian. The Maine CDC said horse owners can protect their animals against the eastern equine encephalitis virus and the West Nile virus through vaccines.
The Maine CDC shared the following links for further information on the following topics:
Related content:
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