| How to Protect You and
Your Family From the West Nile Virus
In less than 4 years, the West Nile virus has become a national concern.
From 1999 through 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) confirmed 149 cases of human illness from the virus, including 18
deaths. This year alone, 160 cases and nine deaths have been reported
in eight states and the District of Columbia, and more cases have been
documented in 30 other states.
The mosquito-borne virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the
brain, and result in death. Although the first documented case of the
virus in the United States was in 1999, it’s been known to exist
in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East since the 1930s. It is believed
that the virus originated in Africa and was brought to this country by
zoo animals.
How Is the West Nile Virus Transmitted?
The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. After an
incubation period of 5 to 15 days, mosquitoes can infect humans and animals
while biting to take blood. Most cases occur in the late summer or early
fall, when mosquitoes are most active.
Although birds are highly susceptible to the virus, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture has also identified horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks,
squirrels, and domestic rabbits as potential carriers. Yet there is no
evidence that you can contract the virus from handling dead or infected
animals, and the virus can't be passed from person to person. The only
known means of transmission is through a bite from an infected mosquito.
What Are the Symptoms of the West Nile Virus?
Only 1 of every 100 to 150 people who are infected with the virus experience
symptoms, according to the CDC. Those at greatest risk for developing
symptoms are people older than 50 or individuals with weak immune systems.
If you become infected, the virus could harm your central nervous system
and cause inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis. Symptoms, which
occur about 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito, include:
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high fever |
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confusion |
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muscle weakness |
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severe headaches. |
People who have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all do not require treatment.
Those with severe symptoms may be hospitalized and be given respiratory
support and intravenous fluids to help ward off such secondary infections
as pneumonia. There currently is no vaccine for the virus, but several
companies are working to create one.
What Precautions Should I Take?
If you live in an area where there has been a documented case of the
West Nile virus, the CDC recommends that you remain calm. After all, only
a few mosquitoes are infected with the virus, and chances are very slim
that you will become ill from an infected-mosquito bite. Still, it is
wise to take precautions.
The CDC suggests these preventative measures to avoid infection from
the West Nile virus:
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Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening, when
mosquitoes are most prevalent. |
| • |
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. |
| • |
Apply insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin. An effective
repellent will contain 35 percent DEET; higher percentages provide
no additional protection. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that repellents used on children contain no more than 10 percent
DEET. Because the repellent may irritate a child’s eyes and
mouth, avoid applying it to a child’s hands. As a general
rule, don’t apply repellent to children younger than 2. |
| • |
Install or repair window or door screens to keep mosquitoes out. |
| • |
Limit mosquito breeding grounds near living areas by eliminating
standing water in such places as gutters, old tires, and wading
pools. |
Learn More About the West Nile Virus
The
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
provides a brief introduction to the West Nile virus and links to numerous
resources.
The CDC
has an extensive West Nile virus site that includes the latest statistics
and information about the spread and prevention of the virus.
The U.S.
Department of Agriculture provides updated information on the West
Nile virus as it pertains to both human and animal populations.
References
1.
“West Nile Virus Questions and Answers,” CDC, August 23,
2002.
2. “West
Nile Virus Basics,” CDC, August 28, 2002.
3. “CDC
Telebriefing Transcript: Back to School: CDC Urges Communities to Create
Safer Routes to School; and West Nile Virus Activity Update,”
CDC, August 15, 2002.
Source of Material: Rockhill Communications, 14 Rock Hill
Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.rockhillcommunications.com
Writer: Gary Gilles
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, MD, MPH
Date Written: August 15, 2002
Date Last Revised: August 29, 2002
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