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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