Gregg Flynn with the department said the decrease could be caused by a few factors. He said more prevention from mosquito bites and weather conditions likely played a role.
“One of the factors could be that we have honestly seen less rain this year which means that the mosquitoes don't have as much breeding ground because they go where water sits stagnant,” Flynn said. “So the fact that it's been so dry could lend itself to why we've had a low number of cases this year.”
Flynn said that it is still possible to contract the virus, and that mosquitos will be present until temperatures drop for winter.
About 80% of people who are bitten by mosquitos and contract West Nile Virus never show symptoms, according to the CDC. Those who do may experience cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint or body aches, nausea and vomiting or other symptoms.
Flynn said that people with compromised immune systems are more likely to become ill.
“People that are most susceptible are people that have underlying health conditions, other things that may be wrong with them for a variety of reasons that they're under care for,” Flynn said. “Anybody whose immune system may be compromised is open... to having more severe symptoms.”
Flynn added that there are multiple ways to protect from mosquito bites and prevent West Nile Virus altogether. He said avoiding areas with standing water, wearing protective clothing and using proper repellant are a few ways to repel mosquitos.
“If you're gonna be outside, that you use the proper spray, that you wear long sleeves, that you stay out of heavily wooded areas and especially where it's shady or where there are places that have standing water, that can become stagnant where they wanna breed,” Flynn said.
He said residents should check their yards and surrounding areas for stagnant water to prevent mosquitos from breeding in those areas. He added the bugs are most active around dusk.
People who fall ill after being bitten by mosquitos are encouraged to tell their doctor to be tested for West Nile Virus.
