PUBLIC HEALTH
Tests show West Nile virus present at monitored site in Lancaster
An Erie County-operated mosquito surveillance site in the Town of Lancaster has turned up positive results for West Nile virus.
The site — one of nine such test sites monitored by the county on a weekly basis — was located in the Walden Avenue-Ransom Road area, according to Peter J. Tripi, head of the county’s Vector Control Program.
Tripi said both town and village of Lancaster officials were notified of the find, and they have applied larvicide to protect their citizens.
A county test site in Amherst turned up a positive sample for West Nile in early August, prompting health authorities to advise residents there to take precautions to avoid mosquitoes.
Tripi said three dead crows — two in the village and one in the town of Lancaster — also tested positive for the virus this summer.
Mosquito breeding this year has been exacerbated by frequent rains, Tripi noted.
Ways to avoid infection include wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts in parks and other areas where mosquitoes are commonly found, especially during the evening hours. Health officials also advise use of a mosquito repellent, such as those that contain DEET.
Tripi recommends that residents try to eliminate standing water on their property wherever possible — cleaning out gutters, turning over the kiddie pool when it’s not in use, getting rid of old tires on their property.
West Nile virus is usually spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infection may take the form of either West Nile fever, a mild illness with fever, or West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, more severe illnesses.
Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, the CDC says, case-fatality rates range from 3 percent to 15 percent and are highest among the elderly. Less than one percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. Most people who get infected do not develop any disease at all.
