Transcript: Talk-Line with Steve Marco interviews Ashly Whaley on West Nile Virus
Like what you hear? Be sure to visit WIXN, part of Shaw Local Radio.
We're also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
28 minutes ago
- CBS News
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found in the Twin Cities metro — here's what you need to know
What you need to know about West Nile virus What you need to know about West Nile virus What you need to know about West Nile virus On Thursday, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District said they found mosquitoes in Anoka and Carver counties with West Nile virus. "The mosquito-borne disease risk tends to elevate as we get late into the summer," said Alex Carlson of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. That's why infectious disease experts say precautions are important. "West Nile virus has been circulating in Minnesota for over 20 years," said Dr. Beth Thielen, an infectious disease expert with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School. "The most common presentation that comes to the hospital is some kind of neurological symptoms." For those who might worry, Thielen says if you get West Nile virus, it's definitely not a death sentence. "Most of the disease is actually not clinically apparent," Thielen said. She says that bug repellants with DEET and picaridin are proven to help you if you're out and about. "We see most mosquitoes are active in that dusk time period. Folks can limit their outdoor exposure time around that time," Thielen said. But if a bite pops up, just monitor for things like fever and rash, Thielen added. "I don't usually wear bug spray," Minneapolis resident Lilly Perkins said. "I don't get bumps because they don't bother me, but I guess I should start." For more information on West Nile virus, click here.
CBS News
14 hours ago
- CBS News
West Nile Virus confirmed among mosquitoes in Macomb County
West Nile Virus has been confirmed for the first time this summer among mosquitoes in Macomb County, Michigan, local health officials said Thursday. So far, there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus disease in Michigan. But the Macomb County Health Department said the virus is considered "endemic" in Macomb County in that it is regularly found among local mosquito populations. Because of those circumstances, the health department tests areas during spring and summer where mosquito populations are known to congregate. One of those samplings detected the presence of the virus. "This discovery by our surveillance team is important because it lets us know that this season's mosquitoes are now carrying the virus – which could spread to humans," Andrew Cox, director/health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services, said in the announcement. Mosquitoes can become infected if they bite a bird that is infected with the virus. If the infected mosquitoes then bite humans, the health department explained, the disease can be transmitted to people. Many of those who are infected will have few to mild symptoms, such as fever or headache. But some people can develop serious complications such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. People who are at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill include those age 50 and older, those who have received an organ transplant, or those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Prevention tips To prevent getting West Nile Virus through a mosquito bite, the health department issues the following recommendations: Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Those who are outside during that time should wear long pants and long sleeves to protect their skin. Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin on clothing and exposed skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the use of oil of lemon eucalyptus should people prefer a more natural repellant. Any buckets, pools or pet dishes that hold standing water should be kept empty or changed frequently to prevent mosquitoes from using that water to lay eggs. Window and door screens should be kept in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering inside. The above video first aired Sept. 25, 2024.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes in Lubbock County, warns city. Here's what to know
The City of Lubbock is warning Lubbock County residents that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the county. According to the city, the Biological Threat Research Lab at Texas Tech University has notified the Lubbock Health Department that mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are active in Lubbock County. Others are reading: What's coming in Lubbock County's proposed budget? Here's what's being discussed In response, the vector control teams will increase spraying within the community, with the city strongly urging the public to take precautions to reduce mosquito bites and help prevent the spread of the virus. The city is also asking residents to help prevent the spread of the virus by reporting biting adult mosquitoes or reporting a suspected mosquito breeding site. According to the health department, West Nile is a disease of birds that humans are exposed to after a mosquito has fed on an infected bird. Humans can only contract it from mosquitoes and cannot pass it to other humans. For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the CDC website: According to the health department, here are the common symptoms: Headache. Fever. Muscle and joint aches. Nausea. Fatigue. Symptoms involving the central nervous system can also develop, which include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. According to the health department, most infected people show no symptoms, with most recovering on their own. Currently, there are no medications or vaccines to prevent or treat infection. People over 50 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile Virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider. Individuals can take the following steps to prevent infection this holiday week and throughout summer: Wearing an EPA-registered insect repellant Covering up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times Dumping standing water around your home As of June 18, there have been no reported human West Nile infection cases or deaths in Lubbock in 2025. Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@ This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes around Lubbock, city urges caution
