Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.duncanbanner.com/local/local_story_279224205.html
Published: October 06, 2009 09:40 pm
JeffCo man dies of West Nile
Four cases of disease in Oklahoma
Jeff Kaley
The Duncan Banner
WAURIKA ? An elderly Jefferson County man has died of West Nile virus, becoming Oklahoma?s first recorded death from the mosquito-borne disease this year.
The Jefferson County Health Department (JCDH) confirmed the death Friday, although the department is not releasing the man?s name or residence, citing privacy laws.
On Sept. 29, the Center for Disease Control noted there were four recorded cases of West Nile in Oklahoma. According to Web sites of the CDC and the Oklahoma State Health Department, the individual in Jefferson County is the only death reported in the state.
Although West Nile was listed as the reason for the area man?s demise, Autumn James, registered nurse at the Jefferson County Health Department, said the victim also suffered from other health problems.
?He was an elderly patient who had other health issues,? she noted. ?Normally, a person can recover from West Nile, but in this case, when you factor in the other conditions the gentleman had, his body couldn?t fight off the infection.?
Extending condolences to the victim?s family, JCHD Administrative Director Mindy Spohn said, ?We are saddened about this loss and our sympathies go out to the family. This death reminds us that while most people who acquire West Nile virus may report little or no illness symptoms, for some, the results can be fatal.
?Please encourage your family and friends to take similar precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus.?
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. These mosquitoes pass the virus to humans.
Only about two of every 10 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Even so, Spohn said, serious illness, including West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, and death are possible, particularly for people over 50.
Spohn suggested two easy steps to avoid mosquito bites: First, use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite; and second, mosquito-proof your home and yard.
These are recommendations to mosquito-proof home and yard:
n Repair or install window and door screens.
n Don?t leave doors open, including garage doors, so mosquitoes cannot enter the home.
n Drain standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots and other items so mosquitoes don?t have a place to breed.
n Throw away or cover up stored tires or other items that aren?t being used.
n Clean pet water bowls and birdbaths often.
n Make sure rain gutters are not clogged.
For information about West Nile virus, call the Jefferson County Health Department at 580-228-3313, or visit the Web site www.health.ok.gov.
Published: October 06, 2009 09:40 pm
JeffCo man dies of West Nile
Four cases of disease in Oklahoma
Jeff Kaley
The Duncan Banner
WAURIKA ? An elderly Jefferson County man has died of West Nile virus, becoming Oklahoma?s first recorded death from the mosquito-borne disease this year.
The Jefferson County Health Department (JCDH) confirmed the death Friday, although the department is not releasing the man?s name or residence, citing privacy laws.
On Sept. 29, the Center for Disease Control noted there were four recorded cases of West Nile in Oklahoma. According to Web sites of the CDC and the Oklahoma State Health Department, the individual in Jefferson County is the only death reported in the state.
Although West Nile was listed as the reason for the area man?s demise, Autumn James, registered nurse at the Jefferson County Health Department, said the victim also suffered from other health problems.
?He was an elderly patient who had other health issues,? she noted. ?Normally, a person can recover from West Nile, but in this case, when you factor in the other conditions the gentleman had, his body couldn?t fight off the infection.?
Extending condolences to the victim?s family, JCHD Administrative Director Mindy Spohn said, ?We are saddened about this loss and our sympathies go out to the family. This death reminds us that while most people who acquire West Nile virus may report little or no illness symptoms, for some, the results can be fatal.
?Please encourage your family and friends to take similar precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus.?
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. These mosquitoes pass the virus to humans.
Only about two of every 10 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Even so, Spohn said, serious illness, including West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, and death are possible, particularly for people over 50.
Spohn suggested two easy steps to avoid mosquito bites: First, use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite; and second, mosquito-proof your home and yard.
These are recommendations to mosquito-proof home and yard:
n Repair or install window and door screens.
n Don?t leave doors open, including garage doors, so mosquitoes cannot enter the home.
n Drain standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots and other items so mosquitoes don?t have a place to breed.
n Throw away or cover up stored tires or other items that aren?t being used.
n Clean pet water bowls and birdbaths often.
n Make sure rain gutters are not clogged.
For information about West Nile virus, call the Jefferson County Health Department at 580-228-3313, or visit the Web site www.health.ok.gov.