More mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Clark County

CLARK COUNTY — An additional sample of mosquitoes trapped in Clark County have tested positive for West Nile virus, the combined health district said.

The sample was collected on the west side of Springfield.

This is the second sample in the county to test positive this season.

West Nile is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

The health district said approximately 80 percent of the people who are infected with the virus will not show any symptoms, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness.  Symptoms typically show up between three and 14 days after being bit by an infected mosquito.

SERIOUS SYMPTOMS:

• High fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

MILD SYMPTOMS:

• Fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for a few days to as long as several weeks.

The health district is working with property owners in the affected area to reduce breeding sources by draining standing water.

Misting the affected area is also part of the health district’s plans when weather permits.