West Nile virus has been found in a pool of mosquitoes for the first time in Maine this year.
The mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile were found in Portland, according to Lindsay Hammes, a spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
West Nile also has been found in four birds in Kennebec, Sagadahoc and York counties, Hammes said Thursday,
“Even though it has been dry across much of Maine this summer, the mosquitoes that spread WNV can thrive in this weather,” Maine CDC Director Puthiery Va said in a statement. “Some mosquitoes love to lay eggs in standing water around our homes, and they only need the equivalent of a bottle cap of standing water to do so. To lower your risk of getting sick from a mosquito bite, dump out artificial sources of standing water such as bird baths, pet dishes, empty plant pots, and other vessels and take personal protective measures to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”
Eight in 10 people infected with West Nile virus never show symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile virus include body aches, diarrhea, fever, headaches, rashes or vomiting, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One in 150 people infected with the virus develop more severe symptoms, including brain swelling and spinal inflammation. About 1 in 10 people who develop severe infections die, according to the U.S. CDC.
There is no treatment for West Nile virus.
Mainers can take precautions against these viruses by wearing insect repellant, long-sleeve shirts and long pants; draining pools of standing water; and installing or repairing broken window screens.
