1st Case Human West Nile Confirmed in Arakansas

August 6, 2003

Little Rock (AP) - The state Health Department Wednesday reported the first confirmed human case of the West Nile virus this year in the state.

The human case occurred in Jefferson County and was confirmed by the state Health Department's lab.  The department also says birds tested positive for West Nile in Cleburne, Sebastian and Mississippi counties.

Earlier, birds tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus in eight other counties, and horses have tested positive in Logan and Sebastian counties.

Last month, a suspected human case was reported in Washington County. State health tests on that sample were inconclusive, so it was sent on to the Centers for Disease Control for further testing.
Last year, the state had 43 human cases, resulting in five deaths. The illness produces mild symptoms, if any, in most people.

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