West Nile Virus in Worcester

Mosquitoes can transmit a large variety of diseases that can harm people and their pets. While it can feel scary to think about it, at Mosquito Squad® of Worcester we want to make lowering your family’s risks easy for a care-free outdoor lifestyle. With new threats like the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus (WNV) no longer gets the amount of media attention it once received but it still poses a threat to the Worcester area each summer during mosquito season. From 2006 to 2015 there were 10 human cases of West Nile Virus in the Worcester area. View the MDPH Arbovirus summary for more information on West Nile and other dangerous mosquito diseases in Massachusetts.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is commonly found in birds, humans and other mammals. West Nile Virus is passed between birds and mosquitoes, but cannot be passed back to mosquitoes from humans. According to the CDC, 70-80% of people infected with WNV will not develop any symptoms.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus in Humans

Common symptoms of West Nile Virus can include:

• fever
• headache
• body aches
• rash
• swollen lymph glands

In less than 1% of West Nile Virus cases, a person can develop encephalitis. Symptoms of WNV encephalitis can include high fever, stiff neck, tremors, convulsions, headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, coma or paralysis. In very few cases death can occur. While there is no vaccine for WNV, if you think you may have the illness associated with WNV you should seek medical help immediately. Doctors can help manage your symptoms which is especially important if encephalitis occurs.

West Nile Virus Prevention

Avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito bites is still the best way to prevent West Nile Virus. Start by protecting your family in the place they spend the most time outdoors, your own backyard. Enjoy a spontaneous care-free outdoor lifestyle without the hassle of stinky mist or messy citronella oils by calling Mosquito Squad of Worcester to mist your property for mosquitoes. Our traditional barrier treatment eliminates 85-90% of mosquitoes on contact. Lasting for up to 3 weeks, sign up for the season and we’ll automatically respray when needed, all season long. You won’t have to lift another finger to enjoy an entire season free of the dangers and diseases that mosquitoes bring in Worcester Mass.