Colorado West Nile Cases Now at 31

Aug 1, 2003

DENVER (KCNC/AP) Federal health officials say Colorado leads the nation in the number of reported cases of West Nile virus -- with 31 cases confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control.

Texas is second with 11 confirmed cases and 10 potential cases.

Officials say it is difficult to say exactly how many people have been infected because of lags in reporting -- and sporadic updates. Only one death has been reported nationwide so far this season.

Last year more than 4,000 cases were reported nationwide -- and 284 deaths resulted.

Culex Tarsalis

Experts are blaming what they describe as a super mosquito for the high number of West Nile cases in Colorado, NEWS4 reports.

It's called culex tarsalis, and it is a common mosquito in this state.

Lab workers say 50 to 60 percent of the mosquitos they trap are the culex mosquitos.

The culex mosquito is only found west of Kansas and experts say it has an amazing ability to transmit West Nile.

"In this mosquito, almost 100 percent of them that ingest the virus will become infectious and able to transmit the virus," state health epidemiologist John Pape told NEWS4.

The state health department says a two-year drought, as well as our wet spring, have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos.

Teams are spraying pesticides across the state and hoping to prevent the spread of West Nile.
The following information is taken from the Centers for Disease Control Web site.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.

No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms at all.

Mild Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms typically last a few days.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

How Does It Spread?

Infected Mosquitoes. Generally, West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are West Nile Virus carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread West Nile Virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, West Nile Virus also has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.

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

Mosquito Dunks:

Made with natural Bacillus thuringiensis (BT-i), Mosquito dunks or donuts are made from natural BT-i. BT-i is a non-toxic way to deal with mosquitoes.

The mosquito dunk is put into standing water in: bird baths, rain barrels, ponds, ditches, unused swimming pools, tree holes, flower pots, roof gutters or wherever water accumulates. The mosquito dunk slowly releases the mosquito-killing biocontrol agent on the waters surface.

Each mosquito dunk treats 100 sq.ft of water surface regardless of depth. The BT-iI gradually settles in the water where it is eaten by mosquito larvae growing there. Once ingested Bt-i kills 95-100% of the larvae within 24 hours long before they become biting adults. The mosquito dunk will keep on working for 30 days.

Alternate wetting and drying will not reduce their effectiveness. Mosquito dunks contain no poisonous chemicals and are harmless to other living things. They are completely biodegradable and nontoxic to: people, fish or other wildlife.

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