State reports fourth West Nile case

Monday, Aug. 22, 2005 | 9:35 a.m.

State health officials reported a new case of West Nile virus in a Douglas County resident, bringing the total number of cases in the state to four this year.

The person who contracted the disease is over the age of 50 and has a less severe form of the disease, the state Health Division said Friday.

"The weather is still warm, and mosquitoes remain active in every county in our state," said Dr. Bradford Lee, the state health officer. "That means that West Nile virus is still a threat to the public's health."

The state Health Division previously announced three human cases of West Nile virus, including one person in Lyon County under 50 years of age with a more severe form of the disease, one person in Humboldt County under 50 with West Nile fever, a milder form of the disease, and one person in Humboldt County over 50 years of age with a more severe form of the disease.

Health officials refuse to provide the public with more specific information about the people who have been infected, citing privacy concerns.

West Nile virus is spread primarily by the bite of an infected mosquito. The insects become infected when they bite infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the West Nile virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

West Nile virus is not spread through casual contact, such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

Lee emphasized practicing preventive measures to reduce chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, preferably in that order, is the first step, Lee said. Wearing long sleeve shirts, pants and socks also helps protect people from a mosquito bite.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and at dusk. They also breed in standing water.

To keep mosquitoes out of the house, check door and window screens.

Most people infected with West Nile virus will not develop any illness or symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said. About 20 percent of people who become infected will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches.

Less than one percent, or one person in 150 people, infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, that is swelling of the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms of the more severe disease include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

"While serious symptoms of West Nile virus are more common in people 50 years and over, we have already seen that people under the age of 50 can also develop the severe form of the disease," Lee said.

Last year there were 23 cases of West Nile virus in Clark County. None have been reported in people this year, the CDC said.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, but people who have been exposed to mosquitoes and experience symptoms of the more severe illness are encouraged to contact their health care provider or physician immediately, Lee said.

Horses, burros and mules may also become infected with West Nile virus. State health officials urge all owners of these animals to have them vaccinated.