May 30, 2003
www.BADSKEETER.ORG
1-877-WYO-BITE
BADSKEETER@STATE.WY.US

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

Horse identified in Goshen County with West Nile Virus; Discovery comes
less than a week after identification of state's first disease-positive
dead bird; Health officials say early returns may signal a challenging
season.

CHEYENNE -- Wyoming Department of Health and University of Wyoming
officials today said that a horse in Goshen County has tested positive
for West Nile virus. The discovery comes on the heels of the 2003
reemergence of the disease following the identification of a positive
dead blue jay in Cheyenne last week.

Terry Creekmore, the West Nile virus survellience coordinator for the
Wyoming Department of Health, said the horse sample was collected on May 23. He tested it at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory with
positive results returned yesterday and again this morning. The state
has tested 31 horses this year. This is the first positive.

Last year, the disease was not discovered until the third week in
August in horses near Torrington. In 2002, 280 horses were tested in the
state and 96 returned positive. Goshen County had the most positive
horses with 41 cases - Laramie County was second, with 11 cases.
Creekmore said that while the entire state is likely to have WNV
activity this year, Goshen County is historically most active in
mosquito-borne equine illnesses due the hot weather and a relative
abundance of water.

Health professionals say this is only the beginning of what may be a
severe season for WNV.

"While this is the first case of equine West Nile virus, I do not
expect it to be the last in the state by a long shot," said State
Veterinarian, Dr. Jim Logan. He encouraged horse owners to get their
horses vaccinated against the disease which is fatal in approximatly 30
percent of horse infections - far higher than human cases. Logan said
horse owners should contact their local veterinarian for details, but
horses need two doses at least three weeks apart the first year and he
recommended discussing a booster shot with a veterinarian if the horse
was vaccinated last year.

Creekmore said these two positives in succession coupled with the
earlier start and a wet, hot spring demonstrates that mosquitoes are out
and actively transmitting the disease. He reminded people to take extra
precautions by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and avoiding getting
bit by applying insect repellant and avoiding areas and times when the
bugs are most active.

Creekmore encouraged people searching for information on the disease
and preventive strategies to visit www.badskeeter.org or call
1-877-WYO-BITE with questions on the disease - particularly questions on
dead bird submissions.

Wyoming Department of Health officials are currently soliciting dead
birds for testing for West Nile virus - but certain types only will be
accepted. 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 other dead bird species should contact either their local
Wyoming and Game and Fish department or call Dr. Todd Cornish at the
Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory at (307) 742-6638 to discuss
possible testing.

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 bird 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.

Nationwide in 2002, 4,161 people became ill from WNV infection and 284
people died across the United States - with no human fatalities in
Wyoming. Last year, the state public health lab tested 90 human cases
with two positives and the state veterinary lab tested 280 horses with
96 positives and 341 birds with 20 positives.

Creekmore said 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.

WEST NILE VIRUS FACT SHEET


What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis or brain infection. Mosquitoes spread this virus after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals.

WNV is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence that people can get the virus by handling infected animals. Surveillance for West Nile virus was initiated in Wyoming in 2001 and currently involves the reporting and testing of dead birds, and the testing of sick horses.

Suspected human cases are also tested in the Wyoming Department of Health's public health lab. People with mild 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. Please see your primary care physician for more details.

About Encephalitis
West Nile virus human cases in Wyoming occur primarily in the late summer or early Fall, although the mosquito season is April through October. The majority of people who get infected with the virus have no illness, or at most, have an infection similar to a mild flu with fever,headache and fatigue. Rarely will the virus multiply in the central nervous system and cause the brain disease called encephalitis.

It can occur however. In fact, two-thirds of people who develop encephalitis or meningitis have serious long-term health problems handsome people never fully recover.

Wyoming has three kinds of arboviral encephalitis: West Nile encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Western Equine encephalitis.An arboviral Encephalitis is an infectious disease that affects the brain. The disease is caused by a virus which attacks and destroys some nerve cells and causes brain inflammation and swelling.

Encephalitis arboviruses belong to several families of viruses that usually infect birds and are transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. The name"ar-bo-virus" comes from the fact that they are transmitted by arthopods(insects and other bugs).

What is West Nile encephalitis?
West Nile encephalitis is caused by West Nile virus, a flavivirus previously only found in Africa, Eastern Europe, and West Asia. West Nile virus is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) which is found in the United States and to the Japanese Encephalitis virus from South East Asia and to Murray Valley fever virus from Australia and New Guinea.

How can I get it?
The principle route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2002, additional routes became apparent; however, this represented avery small proportion of cases. These routes include receiving transplanted organs and blood transfusions, trans placental and possibly breastfeeding transmission, and laboratory workers working with West Nile infected products.

Who is most at risk?
Anyone can get the virus; however, people over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing a severe illness because as we age, our bodies have a harder time fighting off disease. People with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk.

What are the symptoms?
People with mild 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,e is teaming with other state agency and paralysis. This is called West Nile encephalitis. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Are there long-term consequences?
While most infections are usually mild, West Nile Encephalitis can result in death or serious brain damage. The CDC notes that neurological effects may be permanent. Some improvements may be seen over time.Is there treatment or a vaccine?There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection, nor a vaccine. While most people fully recover from the viral infection, in some severe cases hospitalization may be needed.

How to Protect Yourself
Although mosquitoes are most active at dusk or dawn, some bite during the day. All mosquitoes will bite if you enter an area where they are resting, such as high grass or heavy underbrush. While it is not necessary to limit outdoor activity (unless there is evidence of mosquito-borne disease in the area), you can and should reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Common sense steps you can take to minimize the probability of infection include remembering the 5 D's of West Nile Virus:

DAWN AND DUSK - When possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.

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.

DRAIN - Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas withstanding water. See below for more information and tips on reducing the amount of standing water in or near your property.

You can also protect your family from biting mosquitoes by reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding 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 bath sand 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. There are other things that you can do to protect your family from West Nile virus. Consider doing the following:

- 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.

If you know of specific mosquito control problems or problem areas, call your local city or county public works director, City Hall, or the Board of Supervisors.

- 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.See the section on When Using DEET [insert link here to section]. 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.

- Apply DEET repellent to clothes whenever possible. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Apply sparingly to exposed skin, and only then if the label permits.

- Do NOT apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.

- Do not spray DEET directly on the face. Instead, spray repellent onto the hands and use them to apply it to the face. Remember to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth and nasal membranes.

- Do not apply over cuts, wounds, irritated skin, or under clothing.

- To find out if you have a reaction to DEET, apply the repellent to a small area of an arm or leg before general use.

- Avoid spraying repellents on plastic (such as watch crystals and eyeglasses), synthetic fabrics, leather, or painted or varnished surfaces. Spraying DEET on these things may cause damage.

- Do not spray DEET repellents in enclosed areas as the spray mist is not meant to be inhaled.

- Upon returning indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water.

- Wash any DEET treated clothing before wearing them again. DEET products usually repel mosquitoes for several hours. However, repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so you may still see mosquitoes nearby. As long as you are not being bitten,there is no need to apply more repellant. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin.

The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better - just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors. Products with 10 to 35 percent DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions.When using DEET with children, consider the following:

- Use lower concentrations.

- Do NOT allow children to apply DEET repellent themselves.

- Do NOT use DEET on infants.

- Current CDC Guidelines suggest that if a repellent containing DEET is used on children under 2 years of age, only one application per day should be used.

Why do we Monitor Dead Birds?
Birds and horses typically become infected with West Nile virus (WNV)before humans, so dead birds and sick and dead horses are an indicator of WNV activity. We use animal surveillance to map the distribution and prevalence of WNV so that health and mosquito control officials are aware of it's presence and can take whatever measures are available to mitigate the impact of WNV on human and equine populations.

The idea is to identify the virus before humans are affected so that public education and mosquito control can reduce the impact.

Dead Bird Reporting
Report only dead crows, ravens, jays, and magpies.If you find a dead bird on your property, DO NOT SEND it to state or local health agencies. Call the West Nile toll-free number at 1-877-WYO-BITE for instructions.

You will be asked to provide the following information: name, phe is teaming with other state agenconenumber, bird species, number dead, address where bird found, and approximate date of death.If the bird(s) are suitable for testing you will be advised on how to handle and submit the carcasses.

If Asked to Send a Dead Bird, handle dead bird with gloves or put a plastic bag over your hand to pick up the carcass. Then double-bag the bird and add an ice pack if available. Place the bagged bird in a cool place but not in your refrigerator or freezer.

WNV is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Persons cannot become infected through contact with an infected bird,horse, or human. You will be advised by the person you speak with at the toll-free number on how the carcass(es) will be transported to the laboratory for testing. 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
Results are usually available within 3 to 4 weeks. Persons will be notified ONLY IF the bird is positive. The Wyoming Department of Health will continue to test jays, magpies,crows, and ravens from the state between May 1 and Oct. 30, 2003.

For more information, contact:
Terry Creekmore, Wyoming Department of Health West Nile Virus Surveillance Coordinator, (307) 742-6681, ext. 105

Ross Doman, Wyoming Department of Health Public Information Officer, (307) 777-6420

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