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West Vile virus case reported in Harrison County
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By: Pete Graham, Editor
| 10/24/2006 |
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West Nile virus, the mosquito-borne illness prevalent in the Midwest for a number of years, has been reported in Harrison County, said Glenna Plath, administrator of the Harrison County Home & Health Department in Logan.
Plath said a case has been confirmed to her office, but because of privacy issues she is not able to release any names. the person was described as being in his 40's.
"Hopefully, the freeze has helped get rid of some of the vectors," Plath said Friday. She said people are welcome to call her office at 712-644-2220 for information. Fewer cases of West Nile have been reported in the general area this year, but the disease is still out there and residents should protect themselves against mosquito bites to be safe.
West Nile can be mild in nature or serious, even fatal. Most victims experience symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches before fully recovering. Some patients develop a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. In one percent of infections, particularly among the elderly, the disease can be serious, presenting encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
Those conditions can result in permanent damage, or on rare occasions be fatal. Symptoms of severe disease include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis.
A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat West Nile, but there is no specific vaccine or treatment indicated.
The best thing to do is prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, being sure there is no stranding water on the premises, use insect repellents containing DEET at about 30 percent.
Dead birds don't necessarily indicate that West Nile is present, but if you find a dead bird, because it can carry a number of diseases, don't handle it with your bare hands. Use gloves and carefully place the bird in a double-plastic bag and then place it in an outdoor trash receptacle or bury.
Animals can become infected with West Nile in the same way humans can, through mosquito bites. if you suspect your pet or animal might have been infected, contract your veterinarian. Animals will not spread the disease to humans and horses can be vaccinated.
For further information, log onto http://www.idph.state.ia.us or call 1-866-968-4692.
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