July 31, 2002
(CBS) The West Nile virus is back in force this year — sickening people earlier than ever before. It has spread to 34 states and Washington D.C.
The Early Show’s Medical Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay provides the facts on the mosquito-borne virus, which first appeared in the United States in New York in 1999. It has since spread further south and west every year.
The total of infected patients has reached 161 nationwide since 1999; 18 patients have died.
“This year, the West Nile virus surfaced in Louisiana a month earlier than in previous years,” said Senay. “That state was hard hit in the past with 32 confirmed cases of infection in humans in the past.”
At the current rate, health officials believe it will reach California this year. Most experts agree that the virus has turned into a nationwide problem.
The virus is spread to humans from the bite of common variety of mosquito, the culex pipiens. But, the mosquito also bites many different kinds of wild birds, which help to spread the virus far and wide as they fly or migrate to other areas.
Luckily, most healthy people will not have much of a problem with West Nile if they do contract the virus.
“Symptoms can be very mild, such as fever, headache and muscle pains that only last for a few days,” said Senay.
But, for the very young, the elderly or the immune-compromised, the disease can cause a life-threatening encephalitis or brain inflammation.
Senay recommends that people seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like high fever, severe headache, confusion, difficulty concentration, stiff neck or severe muscle weakness.
It is estimated for every severe case that is diagnosed, there are upwards of 150 cases that go undetected.
Senay says there are no cure and no vaccine for the West Nile virus. However, the best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitos that carry it.
Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent whne you go outdoors. The most effective are products are tose that contain DEET. Also, people should eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitos by getting rid of pools of standing water.
In America, the West Nile virus was first detected in the New York tri-state area in 1999. It moved north the following year, and is now making its way toward the West Coast.
As further proof of a growing problem, a West Nile-infected crow was found on the South Lawn of the White House in July of 2002. A rapid rise in cases has led experts to agree: West Nile is here to stay.
Prevention
In addition to state and local government efforts to eliminate mosquitoes and track the virus' movement, homeowners should try to get rid of standing water sources that encourage mosquito breeding. Reporting suspicious groups of dead birds to the health department is another important step in controlling the problem, since mosquitoes pick up the virus from feeding on infected birds.
For individuals concerned about West Nile risks when going outdoors, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following safety tips:
* Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
* Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
* Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection.
* Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
* Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
* Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Sources: CDC, AP, Reuters and various state agencies
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