West Nile Virus reported in Delaware

Mosquito season has arrived and with it comes the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

DNREC recently announced 2017’s first findings of West Nile Virus in Delaware.

The mosquito-borne disease was first discovered in DNREC’s sentinel chickens, and has since been reported in a Delaware horse.

West Nile Virus took that horse’s life, but now people are wondering if the disease is dangerous to humans.

47ABC spoke with the Maryland Department of Health for answers.

Dr. Kim Mitchell with the Maryland Department of Health said, “In most people, West Nile Virus is usually fairly mild. About 20% of affected individuals have no symptoms at all and life just kind of passes on and they’re never aware of it.”

Doctor Mitchell said about 1 in 150 cases of West Nile Virus turns into a severe neurological disease like meningitis, so it is important to take precautions.

The Maryland Department of Health suggests staying inside during prime mosquito feeding hours, which are dusk and dawn.

The Department of Health also encourages the use of insect repellant with D-E-E-T as well as draining any standing water around your home.