Southern Mainer Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention says a person in their 40s, from Cumberland County, has tested positive for West Nile virus.

There are no recent reports of travel outside of Maine by the infected, so officials believe the person is the first to be locally infected since 2020.

From the Maine CDC:

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral illness. It occurs throughout the United States and can cause disease in humans, birds, and other mammals. West Nile Virus spreads to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile cases occur sporadically in Maine, usually during the summer and fall when mosquitoes in Maine are active.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms. However, signs and symptoms may develop. This usually occurs 3 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and include: Fever and chills, weakness, headache, and body and muscle pain.

More severe signs and symptoms may rarely develop. While severe illness can occur at any age, people over 60 years of age or people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk. Serious signs and symptoms include: Inflammation of the brain, confusion, neck stiffness, and coma.

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