| August 23, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Nile Virus Cases Surpass Last Year’s TotalWith 83 cases of West Nile virus infection reported to the Wyoming Department of Health for this year, the case count in Wyoming residents has already surpassed the 2006 total. Sixty-one of the 83 reported cases have been in Fremont County. There have also been nine cases reported in Campbell County; five in Goshen County (includes one death); three in Sheridan County; two in Crook County; and one each in Natrona, Laramie and Hot Springs counties. “Wyoming’s residents need to continue taking precautions to prevent infection with West Nile virus. We fully expect the state’s case count to continue growing as the transmission season goes on,” said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals. Murphy said cases can be expected to occur throughout September and possibly into October based on past years’ experience. The “5 D’s” of preventing West Nile Virus are: 3) DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when spending time outdoors. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials. 4) DRAIN - Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. 5) DEET - Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Be sure to follow the instructions. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET. Permethrin should not be used on bare skin. Another insect repellent, Picaridin (KBR 3023), is also highly effective. In 2006, 65 human cases and two deaths were reported in Wyoming. There were 12 human cases with 2 deaths in 2005; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2004; and 393 human cases with 9 deaths in 2003. More West Nile virus information is available at www.badskeeter.org or by calling 1-877-WYO-BITE. - end - |
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