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PrintCOLUMBIA — The Columbia/Boone County Health Department confirmed a fourth case of West Nile virus in Boone County Monday afternoon.
A Columbia woman in her early 40s has contracted the disease, according to a news release from the Health Department.
All four cases of West Nile in Boone County have been verified within the last month.
West Nile is usually contracted from mosquito bites. Health Department Public Information Specialist Deidre Wood said in a news release that common symptoms include a high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, nausea and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80 percent of people infected by the virus will not show any symptoms. Up to 20 percent of people will only show mild symptoms.
The CDC suggests using insect repellent containing DEET, putting screens on your windows and doors and eliminating standing water as ways to avoid the virus. Also, avoid being outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
To learn more about West Nile or the mosquito spraying schedule in the community, go to gocolumbiamo.com.
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