Person tests positive for West Nile Virus in Wayne County
WAYNE COUNTY, N.Y. — A person in Wayne County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The disease, spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, can lead to serious illness. Wayne County Public Health confirmed on Wednesday that the person tested positive and is being treated at the hospital.
Only about a quarter of the people who get infected with West Nile Virus show symptoms. People over 50 are at the highest risk of developing serious illness. Some symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, or skin rash. People can also experience muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis.
“Those who do work outside definitely but anybody over the age of 50 are more highly susceptible,” said Diane Devlin, Director of Public Health for Wayne County.
Most West Nile Virus cases happen in the summer or early fall when mosquitoes are out. Health officials recommend getting rid of standing water, weaving long sleeves, and using insect repellent to protect yourself.
“Most people with West Nile virus, they don’t have long term effects from it, they can recover from that,” Devlin said.