Five West Nile virus cases reported

Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005 | 9:13 a.m.

Nevada health officials Monday reported five new human cases of the West Nile virus, bringing the total number of human cases to nine for this year.

Although there have been no human cases of West Nile virus in Clark County, officials said that a resident, who is more than 50 years old, in neighboring Lincoln County has West Nile fever.

In addition, two Lyon County residents, both under 50 years of age, were reported with the illness, one with the more severe form and one with the West Nile fever.

One Churchill County resident and another from Humboldt County, both under the age of 50, had contracted the less virulent form of West Nile fever, health officials said.

There have been no human deaths from West Nile virus in Nevada this year.

Historically nationwide the second year a state experiences West Nile virus, the number of human infections tend to increase, said Dr. Bradford Lee, Nevada state health officer.

"Fortunately, Nevada has not had many human cases this year, compared to our neighboring state, California, but the mosquito season is far from over," Lee said.

In California this year 370 people have been reported with the virus from 24 counties. Eight people have died.

Lee also said West Nile virus infection usually produces more serious symptoms in people over the age of 50, but three Nevadans under 50 years old developed a severe form of the disease.

The fever, the lesser form of the virus, produces flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, body aches and general weakness.

The more serious form of the virus can cause swelling of the brain's covering or the spinal column.

"As we continue to enjoy outdoor activities during the last days of summer, it's important to remember that mosquitoes remain active in every county in our state," Lee said.