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Pa. health department announces first human case of West Nile in 2017

August 9, 2017 by  
Filed under Choosing Lingerie

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A Montgomery County resident tested positive for probable West Nile Virus, marking the first human case in Pennsylvania this year, state health officials said Tuesday.

“Detecting the first human case of West Nile Virus this year serves as a great reminder for Pennsylvanians to take the proper precautions when they are outside or near areas where mosquitoes are prevalent,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s acting secretary of health. “There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-related diseases.”

The species of mosquitoes carrying West Nile usually bite at dawn and dusk. State health officials recommend people use insect repellent containing DEET to avoid bites. A West Nile infection can sometimes result in brain inflammation.

About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention.