Westnile Virus Still Spreading

In recent months we have had more and more reports of West Nile Virus.  As of today there have been a total of 733 cases of West Nile reported in the United State.  West Nile originated in the district of Uganda in 1937 when a woman contracted the virus.  It spread to North America in 1999.  West Nile can be found in birds, humans and mosquitoes and blood donation. 

As of August 2012 there have been 1,590 reported cases of West Nile to the CDC with 70% of the cases reported from Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan.

West Nile has peaked again since 2004.  West Nile can be found in 42 states with Texas bearing the brunt with 14 deaths, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma.  Reports state since 1999 -  30,000 people have become infected with this virus.  West Nile can cause life altering neurological disorders.

The neurological disorders include

• Encephalitis - inflammation of the brain
• Meningitis - inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord
• Acute flaccid paralysis - inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause a sudden onset weakness in the limbs and/or breathing.

West Nile is also considered to be a seasonal epidemic that flares in the summer and ends in the fall.  Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn.  Precautions are as follows:

1. Take precautions by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants.
2. Remove any stagnant water - standing water in pots, barrels, or buckets.
3. Change the water for your pets frequently.
4. Use mosquito repellant.  
5. Change the water in bird baths weekly.
6. Drill holes in tire swings so water doesn't accumulate.
7. Keep wading pools empty and on their sides when not being used.

Serious Symptoms to look out for include

• High fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck 
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness
• Vision loss
• Numbness
• Paralysis.

The symptoms last several weeks and the neurological effects can be permanent.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or know someone that is seek medical attention immediately.

High risk include

• People over 50
• Being outside
• Picking up dead birds (report it - don't touch it!)

Other Lower risk include according to the CDC include

• Blood transfusion
• Organ transplants
• Breastfeeding 
• Mother to baby during pregnancy

Note: Pregnancy and nursing DO NOT increase risk of becoming infect with West Nile Virus.  The risk that West Nile may effect the fetus or an infant through breast milk is still being investigated.

 Milder cases of  West Nile

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen lymph glands
• skin rash on chest, stomach or back

These symptoms last from a few days to several weeks.  Most people don't have any symptoms and 4 out of 5 people infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms.  The symptoms develop within 3 to 4 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito.  

In the milder cases, West Nile improves on its own.  People don't always need to seek medical attention for the infection, unless they develop severe symptoms such as listed above.  If you need more information follow the link to the CDC website or call 888-246-2675 (English) or 888-246-2857 (Espanol) or 866-874-2646 (TTY).

Written by Donna C. Ledesma

Copyright © August 29, 2012

All rights reserved

References:

http://www.ksat.com/lifestyle/health/-/478162/16257462/-/4v4yvdz/-/index.html - West Nile Virus: What you should know, published Aug 24, 2012 

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm - CDC

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HIV Today

History of HIV

HIV has grown by vast numbers since it was first detected in 1981.  This disease effected mainly homosexual men out of Los Angeles and New York.  These men were diagnosed with an uncommon disease called Pneumocystis Carinii known as, Pnemocystis Jiroveci. Pneumonia (PCP).  They also developed rate skin tumors called Kapois's Sarcomas.    The patients had a significant decrease  of a cell called CD4, which is an important part of the immune systems that helps fight infection.

In 1983 the virus was described as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.  This virus belongs to a group called Retro Viruses.

TESTING

Since then, there have been blood test available that measure antibodies to HIV that are the body's immune response to the HIV.  This is still the best method of diagnosing HIV.  The secondary test is with saliva and blood with results in 20 minutes.

Early detection is vital to your health and finances. The following is a quote from Dr. Slavenks,. " Anyone who's got HIV that we diagnose early enough -it may save anywhere between half a million and a millions dollars over the course of a lifetime."

There are many clinics in every state that do anonymous HIV Testing.  Usually if you go to a clinic there is little to no fees for the test.  And if there is a fee.  It's minimal at best.  If you are sexually active and have had more then 5 five partners.  You should be tested at least once every 3 to 6 months, depending your partnerships/relationships.

HIV Transmittal

As of 2010, there are few people who don't know how HIV is transmitted. The following is for those that seek knowledge in  this area.  Here is a short review from:

1. HIV is present to variable degrees in the blood and genital secretions of virtually all individuals infected with HIV, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms 
2. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by a needle. 
3. The most common ways in which HIV is spreading throughout the world include sexual contact, sharing needles, and by transmission from infected mothers to their unborn children.
4. Fact: HIV infection can occur after even one sexual event.

Studies prove that within six weeks of exposure, the majority of infected people have positive results.  Then after six months all of the infected patients will be positive for HIV.  During this time some of the infected will exhibit "flu-like" or infectious mono-like " Illness for up to several weeks.  This is the Primary Stage of Infection.

1.  Fever,

2.  Aching muscles and joints

3.  Soar throat, and swollen glands in the neck

There are patients that will be Asymptomatic - (without symptoms)  after the primary infection stage.  The progression time is between eight and 10 years.

HIV is preventable

Don't ever share needles and always use protection during sex.

HIV In 2010

In 2010 HIV was still rising, with the highest rates of infection coming out of New York , DC, and the South. Mainly the Groups are Woman who are minorities and young teenagers and young adults ranging between 13 and 65 years old.

HIV IN 2012

In HIV is still highest among African Americans, although there has been a slight decline.  HIV is spreading rapidly among some major cities such as

• New York
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

 HIV has been reported in all fifty states.  Areas affected by HIV where poverty plays 

significant roll are:

• Atlanta
• Washington
• DC
• Baltimore
• Newark
• NJ
• Harlem
• Wake County
• NC

 Ranks among the general public:

1. African Americans
2. Hispanics
3. Whites
4. Asians
5. American Indian

High risk categories are as follows:

• Gays
• Bisexual
• Men who have sex with men
• Intravenous drug use
• Anal sex

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Another group highest hit are young people under 25 years of age.  There are approximately 7,400 people who become infected  daily with 3, 300 who are young.

In closing we cannot forget that HIV is still very present in our society.  We must practice safe sex when ever possible.  Take all necessary precautions as well as HIV drug testing every 3 to 6 months if your sexually active.  Check with our local clinic for anonymous testing in your area.

Written by Donna C. Ledesma

Copyright  © 2012

All rights reserved

References:

Http://www.whbf.com/Global/story.asp?S=12717958 , http://www.medicinenet.com/human_immunodeficiency_virus_hiv_aids/corpus-christi-tx_city.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiv-aids/DS00005

http://www.avert.org/hiv-african-americans.htm 

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/08/news/la-heb-hiv-black-women-20120308 

http://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/overview/statistics/

http://www.aids2012.org/youth.aspx

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