West Nile Hits U.S.

First case found in Illinois birds

By R. Leigh Coleman, Christian Post Reporter Friday, June 17, 2011

Health officials discovered the first case of West Nile in a batch of birds in northern Illinois on Friday. They believe a hot summer could increase mosquito activity, which could lead to the spread of the disease.

“As ‘alarming’ news of an increasing number of cases of West Nile Virus wild birds, horses, pets, and humans are reported across the country, nearly everyone is concerned about keeping their ‘entire family’ safe,” according to a statement issued by the Illinois Department of Health.

Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, announced that the birds are the first to test positive for West Nile this year. They were found in Delavan, about 25 miles south of Peoria in Tazewell County in Illinois.

The potential magnitude of the discovery in Illinois becoming a national problem is staggering especially with the high temperatures and recent floods, health officials said.

An estimated population of 310 million people in addition to another 52 million dogs, 48 million cats, and countless animals are at risk if the virus spreads to unprotected areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arnold said in a statement that last year's first positive West Nile virus test result was reported June 3 in Gallatin County in southeastern Illinois. Thirty of 120 Illinois counties had a positive West Nile virus bird, mosquito, horse or human case in 2010.

Health officials reported 61 human West Nile cases last year in Illinois.

West Nile is transmitted through being bitten by an infected mosquito or eating an infected bird. Viruses that are spread to people by mosquitoes are called arboviruses.

In temperate climates, West Nile virus infections generally occur during warm weather months when mosquitoes are active. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.

The virus spread rapidly south and west throughout 2002, and in 2003 West Nile virus made its way across the entire country.

Health officials said it is too early to know if massive Mississippi River flooding will increase the number of West Nile carrying mosquitoes in the region, but it’s not too early to play it safe, state health officials said.

“Last year, in the State of Mississippi, we had eight cases of West Nile Virus,” said Sharon Sims from the Mississippi State Department of Health.

“I am not sure what we are going to have this year, especially with the high waters we received from all the flooding.”

Sims said while there are currently mosquitoes out flying around now, the mosquito that carries the West Nile virus won’t be prevalent until after the flood waters begin to recede more.

Mild cases of West Nile infections may cause a slight fever or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death.

Usually symptoms occur from three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Persons at the highest risk for serious illness are those 50 years of age or older.

West Nile virus emerged in the United States in the New York metropolitan area in the fall of 1999.

The best way to prevent West Nile encephalitis and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

On the Web:http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Did you know?

Five common myths about the West Nile virus:

Myth #1: There's not much I can do about West Nile virus.
Truth: There is a lot that you, personally, can do to reduce your chance of West Nile virus infection.

Myth #2: Kids are at the most danger of getting sick from West Nile virus.
Truth: People over 50 are at the highest risk for developing severe West Nile disease.

Myth #3: It's only people who are already in poor health who have to worry about West Nile virus.
Truth: Healthy, active older adults who spend time working and exercising outdoors have been affected by severe West Nile virus infection.

Myth #4: Repellents containing DEET are not safe.
Truth: Repellents containing DEET are very safe when used according to directions.

Myth #5: As long as my area has a mosquito control program, I don't have to worry about using repellent.
Truth: Mosquito control activities don't eliminate every mosquito, so personal protection is still important.

Source: CDC