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Wednesday, Aug 22, 2012
First Death from West Nile Virus Reported
Little Rock - The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reporting the first death this year in Arkansas from West Nile virus (WNV).
So far this year, there have been 15 cases of WNV in the state.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) there have been 1,118 reported human cases nationwide, with 41 deaths.
This is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the third week in August since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999.
Approximately 75 percent of the cases have been reported from five states: Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota and Oklahoma; and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas.
According to Nate Smith, MD, deputy director and state epidemiologist, West Nile virus poses some very serious problems for certain people.
?Most people who become infected will never even know it,? Smith said. Less than one percent of those who become infected will develop serious disease. ?However, we are very concerned about the people who are at highest risk for serious complications from this infection: the elderly; immuno-compromised persons; those who suffer from serious chronic illnesses; and some others who might become very sick if they get infected.?
West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. In the United States, most people are infected from June through September, and the number of these infections usually peaks in mid-August. Seasonal outbreaks often occur in local areas that can vary from year to year.
Many factors impact when and where outbreaks occur, such as weather, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the virus and human behavior.
?It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years,? said Susan Weinstein, DVM, MPH, ADH state public health veterinarian. ?Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware we have West Nile virus in our state and take action to protect themselves and their family from mosquitos.?
The best way to prevent West Nile virus disease is to avoid mosquito bites. Do this by practicing the ?Three Ds.?
- Drain standing water from your yard. Empty standing water in flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.
- Don?t go out at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes feed without protective clothing (long sleeves and pants).
- Do use insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET when you go outdoors.
Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die.
People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness.
There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent, human West Nile virus infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.
In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care. Anyone who has symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.
For more information, visit our website at
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/epidemiology/Environmental/Pages/WestNileVirusSurveillance.aspx or go to the CDC?s website at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
Contact: Office of Health Communications and Marketing, Ed Barham, 501-280-4147
