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Terry
Creekmore, West Nile virus surveillence coordinator for the
Wyoming Department of Health, opens a dead magpie on June
19 at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. Creekmore will
test sample tissue from the bird in search of signs for the
virus. This year, he has tested 79 birds and 32 horses for
the disease.
Photo by Ross Doman/Wyoming Department of Health. |
June 19 , 2003
www.BADSKEETER.ORG
1-877-WYO-BITE
BADSKEETER@STATE.WY.US
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
Fremont County Horse is Fifth West Nile Virus-Positive Animal in
State this Year; Officials Urge Horse Owners to Consider Vaccination
to Prevent High Case Numbers.
CHEYENNE -- Wyoming Department of Health and University of Wyoming
officials today said that a mare from Fremont County has been identified
as the fourth West Nile virus-positive horse in the state this year.
One bird has also tested positive. No human cases have surfaced
in Wyoming although the state saw two non-fatal cases in 2002.
Samples from the horse, which is still alive, were received on June
14. This is the second horse from Fremont County with the disease
- joining one from Goshen County and another from Sheridan County.
Terry Creekmore, West Nile virus surveillence coordinator for the
Wyoming Department of Health, encouraged people searching for information
on the disease and preventive strategies to visit www.badskeeter.org
or call 1-877-WYO-BITE with questions. People with questions about
WNV in horses should call Dr. Todd Cornish at (307) 742-6638.
Wyoming, Colorado, and U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinary
experts yesterday refuted a lone media report that suggested some
pregnant mares may have been adversely affected by the equine WNV
vaccine, saying that no scientific proof exists that the vaccine
is causing birth problems in horses, and in fact, none of the horses
cited in the media report had been tested.
"These are just rumors. None of the veterinary diagnostic laboratories
in the U.S. are seeing this syndrome or associating it with West
Nile virus," said Univeristy of Wyoming Professor Donal O'Toole,
head of the Department of Veterinary Sciences and of the Wyoming
State Veterinary Laboratory. "We have absolutely no evidence
that the West Nile virus vaccine is associated with any such birth
problems."
O'Toole encouraged horse owners to continue to vaccinate since approximately
one in three horses that show clinical signs of West Nile virus
will likely die. "We know the virus is a lethal one,"
he said.
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. 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 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.
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 |
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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.
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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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