| August
28, 2004 Wyoming health officials identify two more human cases of West Nile virus; State total of six much lower than same time last yearCHEYENNE -- Wyoming Department of Health officials said today that two more cases of West Nile virus in humans have been identified, bringing the state total this season to six. State Health Officer, Dr. Brent Sherard, said the new cases were uncovered in an adult female from Platte County and an adult male from Weston County. He said the female was recovering and the investigation is ongoing for the male, whose test result came from the South Dakota Department of Health. As of Aug. 26, the state public health laboratory had tested 548 human samples this season, compared to 487 by the same date last year. Sherard said that while the number of cases tested were comparable, the number of positive cases in 2004 was down significantly - with six positives recorded this year compared to 145 by the same date in 2003. Also, five of the nine WNV-related deaths last year were recorded by this date. In 2004, no human deaths have been identified in Wyoming related to WNV. In 2003, the Wyoming state lab tested 1,824 human samples with 393 cases and nine deaths. "We think the education campaing is working," Sherard said. "That's part of the success we've seen in keeping the numbers down this year. People are taking the proper precautions because they are more aware fo the disease, it's transmission, and the potential for adverse health effects." Terry Creekmore, the West Nile virus surveillance coordinator for the department of health, said that accompanying the education campaign, he thinks a smaller mosquito population has lessened the severity of the season. "Two things greatly affect the mosquito population," he said. "Water and temperature. We've had water this year, certainly more than last year, but the temperatures have been below normal in the state this summer. The colder water makes the larvae slower to develop plus it gets colder at night and the mosquitoes don't want to feed." He added that many jurisdictions had increased funding for mosquito control this year provided by the state's Emergency Insect Management Program grant which probably resulted in lower mosquito populations in some areas. As of Aug. 24, the CDC website was reporting 843 human cases of WNV in the nation this year, with 20 deaths.(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount04_detailed.htm). Creekmore said that 30 horses and eight birds have tested positive for the disease this year. People with questions about WNV in horses should call Dr. Todd Cornish at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory at (307) 742-6638. Wyoming Department of Health officials are currently soliciting dead birds for testing for WNV although the state lab prefers to test only crows, magpies, jays, and ravens and will continue to do so until the end of October. Those finding raptors such as hawks, owls, or eagles should contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to arrange for carcass transport and testing. People with questions about other bird species should call Dr. Cornish at the number above. People who find a dead bird on their property should not send it to state or local health agencies but call the health department's West Nile virus toll-free number at 1-877-WYO-BITE for instructions. They will be asked to provide the following information: name, phone number, bird species, number dead, address where the bird was found, and approximate date of death. If the bird(s) are suitable for testing people will be advised on how to handle and submit the carcass. Not every bird that is submitted will be tested. Reasons include bird is too decomposed, excessive birds have already been submitted from the area, bird is wrong species, etc. Results are usually available within 1 week. Persons will be notified ONLY IF the bird is positive. People with mild WNV infections may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. This is called West Nile fever. People with more severe infections may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. This is called West Nile encephalitis. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get WNV, however people over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing a severe illness. People with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk. Information on WNV and prevention strategies are available
on the website at www.badskeeter.org or by calling 1-877-WYO-BITE.
(1) DAWN AND (2) DUSK - When possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk. (3) DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. (4) DRAIN - Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water. See below for more information and tips on reducing the amount of standing water in or near your property. To reduce standing water, consider the following: - Repair failed septic systems. - Check and repair screens on windows and doors - Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. - If possible, remove old or discarded tires on your property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito breading site in the country. If you cannot dispose of old tires, you can drill holes in them to allow standing water to drain. - For containers that must remain on your property, such as bird baths and wading pools, change the water at least once per week. - Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater. - Repair leaky water pipes and outside faucets. - Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish. - Clean and chlorinate swimming pools even if they are not being used. - Keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of grass clippings, weeds and trash so water will drain properly. - Remove all leaf debris. - Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are kept outdoors. - Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall to remove leaves or other debris that may clog the drains or gutters. - Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. - Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds. - Drain water from pool covers. - Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. - Install or repair screens for windows and doors that stay open, so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors. - Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants. (5) DEET - For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET because mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Products containing DEET must be used properly. When Using DEET, be sure to Read and follow instructions on the label to avoid excessive use and over-application. In most circumstances products with 25 to 35 percent DEET provide adequate protection for adults. |
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