The Vermont Department of Health has shared the following information with schools across Lamoille County:
(Monday, September 9, 2024) Mosquitoes collected in Stowe have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). WNV spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 infected people develop a fever and other symptoms, such as headaches and body aches. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
The Health Department strongly urges people in Stowe to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Remove standing water (e.g., clogged roof gutters, bird baths). Mosquitoes breed in standing water that lasts more than four days.
• Cover baby carriages or outdoor playpens with mosquito netting.
• Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.
Anyone with symptoms of WNV should contact their healthcare provider as soon as they feel sick. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Symptoms typically occur four to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Most people with a febrile (fever) illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last long. Symptoms of severe WNV may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Get more information at: West Nile Virus | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
Additional Resources
• Mosquito Bite Prevention Prevent Mosquito Bites | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• West Nile Virus West Nile Virus | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis Eastern Equine Encephalitis | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• Mosquito-borne Diseases Mosquito-borne Diseases | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• Weekly Testing Results Mosquitoes in Vermont | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• Vermont Arbovirus Surveillance and Response Plan Arbovirus Surveillance and Response Plan (healthvermont.gov)
• Vector Surveillance Program (Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets) Vector Surveillance Program | Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (vermont.gov)
• Mosquito Control Around Your Home (CDC) Mosquito Control at Home | Mosquitoes | CDC