Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/888832.html
Owyhee County West Nile patient suffered brain inflammation
- Idaho Statesman
Published: 09/04/09
A woman in her 50s was hospitalized, but now is recovering at home. She has the first case of West Nile virus in Owyhee County, and the woman became seriously ill. ?Less than one percent, or 1 in 150 people infected with WNV develop severe illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord),? said Jennifer Tripp, staff epidemiologist for Southwest District Health. ?These more severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, body aches, disorientation, and tremors,? she said. One out of five people infected with the West Nile virus has symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for only a few days, or may last for several weeks. Symptoms typically start two to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile cases typically peak in mid-August or early September, just in time for students returning to school and outdoor school activities. Mosquitoes can bite anytime, but are generally more active at dawn and dusk. ?Although mosquito activity will begin to slow because of cooler nights, people still need to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes ? especially those people over the age of 50 or with underlying medical conditions,? Tripp said. Tripp advises that if you do go outdoors during the early morning and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Make sure you and your children are protected with mosquito repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin. Follow label directions, particularly as they apply to children under 12 years of age. Anyone with West Nile symptoms can contact their local health care provider or Southwest District Health at (20.... Residents of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette or Washington counties, the area served by Southwest District Health, are eligible to get free West Nile testing with a written request from their medical provider.
Owyhee County West Nile patient suffered brain inflammation
- Idaho Statesman
Published: 09/04/09
A woman in her 50s was hospitalized, but now is recovering at home. She has the first case of West Nile virus in Owyhee County, and the woman became seriously ill. ?Less than one percent, or 1 in 150 people infected with WNV develop severe illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord),? said Jennifer Tripp, staff epidemiologist for Southwest District Health. ?These more severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, body aches, disorientation, and tremors,? she said. One out of five people infected with the West Nile virus has symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for only a few days, or may last for several weeks. Symptoms typically start two to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile cases typically peak in mid-August or early September, just in time for students returning to school and outdoor school activities. Mosquitoes can bite anytime, but are generally more active at dawn and dusk. ?Although mosquito activity will begin to slow because of cooler nights, people still need to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes ? especially those people over the age of 50 or with underlying medical conditions,? Tripp said. Tripp advises that if you do go outdoors during the early morning and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Make sure you and your children are protected with mosquito repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin. Follow label directions, particularly as they apply to children under 12 years of age. Anyone with West Nile symptoms can contact their local health care provider or Southwest District Health at (20.... Residents of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette or Washington counties, the area served by Southwest District Health, are eligible to get free West Nile testing with a written request from their medical provider.