October, 2002 Seafordgram from the Clinic

West Nile Virus

The newspaper and evening news are giving considerable attention to the West Nile virus. That, along with the heavy mosquito population locally, can make us all nervous about the safety of our own families. Therefore I'd like to share some information I've researched on this mosquito borne illness.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect humans, horses, and many types of birds. A diagnosis can only by made by a laboratory blood test. Even in areas where the virus has been reported, few mosquitoes are infected, and human illness occurs in less than 1% of people who are bitten. The risk of severe disease called West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) is higher for persons 50 years of age and older, and those with suppressed immune systems.

West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person or from animal to person. You cannot get the virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease. There is no documented evidence that a pregnancy is at risk due to infection with West Nile virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics stated in August 2002 that children appear to be at low risk for this disease.

Most infections are mild and symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally skin rash or swollen lymph nodes. More severe infection can be marked by severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and rarely, death. The incubation period is usually 3 to 15 days. Contact your health-care provider if you have concerns about your health. See your doctor immediately if you or a family member develop high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. But at home we can do the following to avoid mosquito bites:

Limit the number of places available for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by eliminating standing water sources.
Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET when you're outdoors. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET. DEET in higher concentrations provides no additional protection.
Spray clothing with insect repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends not applying insect repellent to infants under 2 month of age.
With children under 2 years of age, only use one application per day with DEET. Don't put repellent on their hands because it may get into their mouth or eyes and cause irritation.
When using an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions.
Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
NOTE: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Comments and Suggestions

YCSD