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Time for the start of the annual West Nile Virus tally

By adamg on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 8:35am

Slather on the DEET: The Boston Public Health Commission yesterday announced the finding of the year's first virus-laden mosquito, in Jamaica Plain.

Neighborhoods: 
Jamaica Plain
Free tagging: 
mosquitoes
West Nile Virus


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Comments

By Bob McSheffrey on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 9:01am.

So I guess the state can begin spraying? Or will they wait until we have our firat infections and/or deaths before they send out the planes?
Why not be PROACTIVE and prevent any deaths by acting NOW? Maybe we can salvage some outdoor fun this summer!

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By SwirlyGrrl on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 9:15am.

The vast majority of people who get West Nile don't get sick enough for anybody to figure out that they don't have the flu.

That's not to say that it isn't potentially deadly in people who develop the complications that come with it - but we aren't talking about Eastern Equine here. After 10 years in our area, I wouldn't be surprised if 10-20% or more of our local population has immunity.

In places where this virus has been for a long time, more than half the population carries antibodies to it - meaning they were infected at some point, but were not aware of it.

Quite frankly, the flu kills far more people each year.

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By BostonUrbEx on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 9:35am.

Yeah, but if we start thinking logically, then how are we going to get people to buy expensive bug sprays?

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By anon on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 9:15am.

are going to start spraying in JP over the weekend!

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By anon on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 12:23pm.

Growing evidence (http://www.nature.com/news/the-hidden-threat-of-we...) suggests latent and perhaps even subclinical West Nile virus infection is correlated with kidney disease (the kind that leads to needing a kidney transplant).

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