West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) are causing concern to authorities in Ottawa and Massachusetts, who are urging residents to be vigilant.
Ottawa Public Health recently recommended in the social network
“EEV is typically transmitted between wild birds and mosquitoes, but can infect horses and rarely humans, through the bites of infected mosquitoes, in the same way as West Nile virus,” said a news release from Ottawa Public Health.
South of the border, in Massachusetts, Forbes Authorities closed parks in the city of Plymouth, just over 60 kilometers south of Boston, due to the high risk, and urged people to postpone their outdoor activities until the evening or early morning, she said.
The situation is critical
The Massachusetts towns of Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster are considered “critical” by authorities.
Symptoms of EEEV include fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease kills about 30% of people who become infected.
Ottawa Public Health says the disease is “concerning,” though it is “rare.” The news release says it can cause serious neurological illness and even death.
As for West Nile virus, 216 cases have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 37 in Texas. Note that 80% of people who contract the virus do not show symptoms.
Fourteen mosquito populations in Canada have been confirmed to be infected, and two human cases of West Nile virus have been reported to Ottawa Public Health as of August 19.
Former US Presidential Health Advisor Anthony Fauci is recovering from the Nile virus. He was hospitalized about ten days ago after suffering from severe fatigue due to the disease.
