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One case of West Nile Virus in Wood County
Mosquito West Nile Virus (WNV) infection rates remain high in Ohio. The wet spring and summer drought conditions have contributed to the increase of the Culex mosquito population which carries the WNV.
As of August 22, 2012, 1 probable case of WNV (male, age 56, hospitalized but now recovering at home) has been identified in Wood County. ODH has processed several thousand pools (samples) of Culex mosquitos for WNV.
Nearly 21 percent of these pools have tested positive for WNV, compared to 24 percent in 2002 (441 cases, 31 fatalities) and 7 percent in 2011 (21 cases, 1 fatality). When there is an increase of WNV-positive mosquitoes; there is a greater risk of becoming ill.
As of August 22, 2012, the number of confirmed and probable cases in Ohio is 28 human clinical cases. Several people have been hospitalized with WNV encephalitis and meningitis. There have not been any fatalities related to WNV in Ohio.
What is the easiest and best way to avoid WNV?
Prevent mosquito bites! (Remember the 5 D’s of mosquito bite prevention).
· When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
· Many mosquitoes are most active at Dusk and Dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and Dress in long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by Draining standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
- Also, make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
Most people that become ill will have mild symptoms including headache, fever, dizziness, and fatigue, but severe neurological symptoms are also possible. Although mosquito diseases can cause serious illnesses and even death in people of any age; children and those over 50 are at greatest risk for severe disease. If you experience any of these symptoms you should contact your physician immediately.
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. In a very few cases, additional routes of human infection have been identified through transplanted organs and through blood transfusions. There is one documented case of transplacental (mother-to-child) transmission of WNV.
WNV is Not spread through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that will pass on their own. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and proper nursing care.
For more information on how to prevent the spread of WNV, visit www.odh.ohio.gov and search West Nile virus or go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm
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