West nile virus invades NE MS.

[peewee]

Hey guys here is some info on the west nile they sent us here at work. It explains the virus, where it has been located and symptoms. There some good info here.

1. Background and current status.

a. West Nile Virus was detected in the western hemisphere for the first time in 1999. The virus is transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes to birds and some mammals, including humans. From 1999 through 2001, there were 149 cases of West Nile Virus human illness in the united states reported to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), including 18 deaths. As of 2 Aug 02, there have been at least 36 confirmed cases and several deaths this year, according to CDC. Recent press reports indicate that this number may be at least 88 human cases with 4 deaths. The confirmed human cases this year have occurred in Louisiana and Mississippi, with the four West Nile Virus deaths in Louisiana. The virus occurs primarily in the late summer and early fall, but in southern climates it can be transmitted year-round.

b. As of 2 Aug 02, West Nile Virus has been found in 33 states and the District of Columbia. The geographic distribution is shown below:



Click http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/USmap2001.htm to show larger image and more details.

2. Transmission of the disease. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In areas where the virus exists, very few mosquitoes (usually less than one percent) are likely to be infected with the virus. West Nile Virus is not transmitted from one person to another.

3. Clinical information.

a. Symptoms. Most people who get West Nile Virus have no symptoms or only mild ones. These include fever, headache, body aches, sometimes a skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Less than one percent of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will develop severe illness. Severe infections may include headache, high fever, stiffness of the neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, convulsions, and rarely death.

b. Diagnosis. The diagnosis of human West Nile Virus infection is confirmed through serological testing.

c. Treatment. Therapy includes supportive measures such as rest an observation, intravenous fluids, and respiratory support as necessary.

4. Prevention.

a. Mosquito control measures. Standard techniques for mosquito control are effective in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus. Techniques include the elimination of standing water where mosquitoes breed, and if necessary - fogging. DPW has initiated twice weekly fogging at the Vicksburg site.

b. Personal protective measures. There is no vaccine to protect humans against West Nile Virus. Individuals can reduce their risk of getting West Nile Virus by taking the following actions to protect against mosquito bites:

(1) Treat clothing with insect repellent or insecticide. Follow label directions for insecticides and repellents. Do not apply permethrin (which is actually an insecticide---not a repellent) directly to skin. Allow treated clothing to dry before wearing.

(2) Adults should apply DEET-containing commercial insect repellent to exposed skin. The repellent is sold under numerous brand names and is formulated in several forms---creams, lotions, and sprays---and concentrations. For example, regular OFF spray contains 15% DEET; CUTTER Backwoods spray contains 21.85% DEET; Deep Woods OFF contains 25% DEET; CUTTER stick contains 28.5% DEET.) Increased concentration of DEET provides no greater protection, but does provide longer protection---up to a point. Products containing DEET in concentrations greater than 35% DEET provide no additional protection.

(3) For children, use only products containing no more than 10% DEET. Repellents with DEET should be used sparingly on children 2 through 6 years of age and not at all on infants younger than 2 years of age.

(4) See link at <http://www.msstate.edu/Entomology/Homepest/mosquitorepell.html>
for more information on mosquito repellents.

(5) Exclude mosquitoes from living quarters. Check windows and door screens to make sure they are intact.

(6) To the extent practical, stay indoors between sundown and sunrise.

(7) Avoid gimmicks (citronella, bath oils, electric bug zappers, wristbands, electronic devices, and 'natural products') which are largely ineffective.

5. Additional information on West Nile Virus can be found at:

<http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/WESTNILEVIRUS/>

<http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DVBID/WESTNILE/>