A recent Kent County report of a West Nile virus infection has called local attention to the continuing problem of the mosquito born illness first identified in the U.S. in 1999.
According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 2,000 cases of West Nile virus disease in people have been reported nationwide this year as of September 4. This is the highest recorded number of infections reported by September of each year since 1999—a 25% increase from the previous week. 87 deaths have been attributed by WNV.
The Maryland Department of Health and Human Services does not disclose personal information or location of virus infected residents but news sources report that at least three Eastern Shore counties have infected residents. A total of 13 Maryland residents have reported as having been infected during 2012. Two WNV related deaths have been reported in the metro Washington, D.C. and New Castle, Delaware. Other underlying medical conditions may have been factors.
While most people bitten by mosquitos carrying WNV develop no symptoms, those who get ill will show symptoms ranging from fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash (on the trunk of the body) and swollen lymph glands to the more severe: headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. About 1 in 150 develop the more severe form.
Populations at the greatest risk for infection are the older and very young and people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or organ transplants. There is no human vaccine to combat the virus but the following precautions are recommended.
• The WNV mosquito thrives in stagnant water (not saltwater marsh). Discarded tires with water inside, birdbaths, buckets and barrels where rainwater collects are all likely mosquito breeding areas.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
• Install and/or repair screes for doors and windows.
• Use mosquito repellent especially at dawn and dusk.
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