A person in Clinton County has contracted West Nile virus, according to county health officials.The Clinton County Health Department reported Tuesday that a person over the age of 50 in Chazy has been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne virus. The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus back on Sept. 1 and was hospitalized. They are now recovering, according to officials.The announcement comes as health officials in New York and Vermont have recommended that residents take precautions to avoid mosquito bites in light of recent testing that showed the presence of both West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, in mosquito pools in the area. While EEE has been more prevalent in Vermont this season, a horse in Clinton County did test positive for the disease earlier this summer, and a person died from EEE in Ulster County earlier this month. No human cases of EEE have been reported in Clinton County thus far.Most people infected with EEE or WNV develop mild symptoms or do not develop any signs or symptoms. If illness develops, symptoms usually occur three to 15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito, according to the health department.EEE is considered a more serious illness in people who develop a severe case and is more likely to result in death. However, those who develop a mild case of a mosquito-borne illness tend to develop symptoms including fever, headache, body aches and skin rashes or swollen glands.In more serious cases, West Nile and EEE can lead to symptoms including tremors, convulsions and inflammation of the brain. People under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are the most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses, according to health officials.Residents in Clinton County are recommended to take precautions to prevent bites, including wearing long clothing while outdoors, using insect repellent with DEET, and checking screens in windows for holes. You should also eliminate standing water near your property and clear roof gutters of standing water.Free mosquito dunks are also being offered to county residents. They can be obtained here:Clinton County Health Department133 Margaret St., PlattsburghMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District6064 Route 22, Suite 1, PlattsburghMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.They are free for all Clinton County residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
A person in Clinton County has contracted West Nile virus, according to county health officials.
The Clinton County Health Department reported Tuesday that a person over the age of 50 in Chazy has been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne virus. The person began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus back on Sept. 1 and was hospitalized. They are now recovering, according to officials.
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The announcement comes as health officials in New York and Vermont have recommended that residents take precautions to avoid mosquito bites in light of recent testing that showed the presence of both West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, in mosquito pools in the area.
While EEE has been more prevalent in Vermont this season, a horse in Clinton County did test positive for the disease earlier this summer, and a person died from EEE in Ulster County earlier this month. No human cases of EEE have been reported in Clinton County thus far.
Most people infected with EEE or WNV develop mild symptoms or do not develop any signs or symptoms. If illness develops, symptoms usually occur three to 15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito, according to the health department.
EEE is considered a more serious illness in people who develop a severe case and is more likely to result in death. However, those who develop a mild case of a mosquito-borne illness tend to develop symptoms including fever, headache, body aches and skin rashes or swollen glands.
In more serious cases, West Nile and EEE can lead to symptoms including tremors, convulsions and inflammation of the brain. People under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are the most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses, according to health officials.
Residents in Clinton County are recommended to take precautions to prevent bites, including wearing long clothing while outdoors, using insect repellent with DEET, and checking screens in windows for holes. You should also eliminate standing water near your property and clear roof gutters of standing water.
Free mosquito dunks are also being offered to county residents. They can be obtained here:
Clinton County Health Department
133 Margaret St., Plattsburgh
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District
6064 Route 22, Suite 1, Plattsburgh
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
They are free for all Clinton County residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
