Re: US West Nile 2013: 34 fatalities
Re: US West Nile 2013: 34 fatalities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2013
Contact:
Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936
Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391
State health officials confirm two West Nile Virus deaths
The
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Treasure County Health Department and RiverStone Health, have confirmed two West Nile Virus (WNV) human deaths in Montana over the past week. There have been 15 confirmed WNV cases this year.
The deceased, a Treasure County male in his eighties and a Yellowstone County male in his seventies, died of severe complications related to West Nile Virus infection. The individuals had no history of travel outside the state within the past month.
?These deaths are an unfortunate reminder infection with WNV can have serious consequences,? said DPHHS Director Richard Opper. ?We want to remind people to take precautions and protect themselves as the season comes to a close.?
In the U.S. this year, 890 human cases of WNV have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these cases, thirty-three have died.
Most people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms. Some individuals may develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days. Other individuals, fewer than 1 out of 150, may be come severely infected with West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis. Symptoms of this disease may include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis. There is not available treatment for WNV infection other than supportive care. Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their healthcare provider.
Although summer is slowly winding down, and temperatures are beginning to drop, DPHHS reminds Montanans to take precautions and protect against West Nile Virus by following the 5 Ds of WNV prevention. The 5 Ds include:
DUSK/DAWN - mosquitoes are most active during this time. If possible, stay indoors during the early morning and evening hours.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
Before going outdoors, remember to apply an insect repellent containing 25 to 35 % DEET when outdoors. Children ages 2-12 should use repellent with 10 percent DEET or less. DEET is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is the most effective and best studied insect repellent available. Products containing picaridin and permethrin have also been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, as has oil of lemon eucalyptus.
To keep the mosquito population at bay around your home, DRAIN standing water in old tires, barrels, buckets, cans, clogged rain gutters, and other items that collect water. Change water in pet bowls, flowerpots, and birdbaths at least twice a week.
For more information about WNV protection please visit
www.dphhs.mt.gov
Page last updated 09/19/2013
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/newsevents/newsreleases2013/september/westniledeaths.shtml
North Carolina DHHS Reports First West Nile Fatality of 2013
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Contact:
news@dhhs.nc.gov
919-855-4840
Raleigh, N.C. - Health officials from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services encourage residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illness following the death of a Wilson County adult from West Nile virus infection. This is North Carolina's first death and first reported confirmed case in 2013.
West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne viruses common to North Carolina. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 696 cases of West Nile virus disease nationwide through September 10 of this year, including 28 deaths. This is less than the 2,636 cases reported through the same timeframe last year, but still represents a significant level of morbidity.
"This is a tragic reminder that these infections can be fatal. Fortunately preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection," said Dr. Robin Cummings, acting State Health Director. "Most cases of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illness occur from mid-August through mid-October in our state, so we encourage everyone to take precautions to protect against mosquitoes."
The mosquito that transmits West Nile virus can develop from an egg to an adult in as little as a week. DHHS recommends the following precautions to eliminate potential breeding sites around your home and business:
Eliminate standing water in places like flower pots, discarded containers, gutters and kiddie pools.
Clean ornamental ponds and ensure that filtration systems are functioning properly.
Clean and change water in horse troughs at least once a week.
It also is important to keep window screens and panes in good condition to prevent entry of insects into your home, and to wear long sleeves, pants and socks while outdoors when weather permits.
Health officials say mosquitoes are most active from dawn to dusk, so if you plan to be outdoors, always use repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Remember always to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
For more information on the safe use of insect repellents visit
http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/deet.html
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2013/2013-09-19_west_nile_fatality.htm
West Nile ? September 20, 2013
DSHS has confirmed 46 human cases of West Nile illness in Texas in 2013, including 2 deaths.
West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus. There are two forms of the illness, West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and West Nile fever (WN fever). The symptoms of severe infection from West Nile neuroinvasive disease include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. West Nile fever is the milder form of the illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands.
DSHS reminds Texans to reduce the risk of exposure by eliminating standing water and other mosquito breeding areas; making sure door, porch and window screens are in good condition; and using a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 when outdoors.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm
