Written by Rita Jenkins| 04 August, 2007 23:39 GMT
West Nile virus is rearing its ugly head this summer with a vengeance. In the US, there have been at least four times as many reported cases of disease caused by the mosquito-borne virus this year compared with the same time last year, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are some of the latest developments across the country:
California: There have been five deaths so far among approximately 60 cases reported in the state. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Kern, Colusa, and San Joaquin counties on Friday.
"My proclamation makes financial assistance available to the local vector control districts and directs state agencies to take proactive measures to protect Californians from further spread of this deadly virus. I will continue to ensure our local agencies have whatever resources they need to fight the spread of this disease," said Governor Schwarzenegger.
Pennsylvania: State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson on Friday reported the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania. The individual, a 56-year-old man, is recovering at home.
"The chance of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is small, and your chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller," Dr. Johnson said. "However, it is important to remember that everyone -- particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems -- should take simple steps to reduce their risk."
Connecticut: Health officials on Friday confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus in two counties.
"This is a bit early for us," noted Dr. Matthew Carter of the Department of Public Health. "We really don't see cases until later in August."
Georgia: The Georgia Division of Public Health on Friday confirmed the state's first two cases of West Nile virus for 2007.
Mississippi: The Mississippi Department of Health reported one new human case of West Nile virus on Friday. A total of fourteen cases have been reported in the state this year; one person has died.
West Nile Symptoms
Serious Symptoms: About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Milder Symptoms: As many as one-fifth of the people infected by the West Nile virus may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days or up to several weeks.
Most people -- 80 percent infected with the West Nile virus display no symptoms at all.
Preventive Measures
To minimize the chance of becoming infected with West Nile virus, the CDC recommends the following precautions:
Use insect repellent.
Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
Avoid going out of doors during evening and early morning when mosquitoes are most active.
Drain standing water; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
Install or repair screens.
Report dead birds to local authorities; dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating in an area. |
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