Two West Nile virus cases confirmed

BY DANA COLE
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Sep 07, 2006 - 11:44:54 pm MST

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HERALD/REVIEW

SIERRA VISTA — The season’s first cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Cochise County.

State and county health officials have confirmed two human cases of the mosquito-borne virus. Both are elderly men from the Douglas area.

There have been 13 human cases statewide so far this year.

County health officials had no information about the status of the two men.

Other positive West Nile results in Cochise County include a horse in the Benson area and five chickens.

Despite the positive animal cases, none of the county’s mosquito samples submitted to the state for testing have come back positive.

“When we find positive cases, we increase our monitoring efforts, especially in those areas of the county where we have concerns,” said Karla Jensen, spokeswoman for the county health department.

While monitoring has been beefed up in certain areas, there has been a countywide surveillance program throughout the summer months.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes.

The West Nile virus, which lives in mosquitoes and birds, first appeared in Arizona in 2003. Humans and other animals can be infected if they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the disease.

About 80 percent of people who become infected with the virus will have no symptoms at all, or a very mild illness. About 20 percent of those infected will develop such flu-like symptoms as headache, fever, body aches, swollen glands and muscle weakness. Some of these symptoms can persist for weeks.

Some people, especially the elderly, may experience more severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.

According to Arizona Department of Health Services, those with mild symptoms should get plenty of rest, drink fluids and avoid alcohol. If symptoms persist or become more severe, contact a physician.

Since its appearance in Arizona three years ago, West Nile will continue to be a problem for Arizonans, health officials warn. For that reason, health officials urge everyone to take the following precautions around the home. Advice included:

— Eliminate standing water, which allows mosquitoes to breed. Check for conditions outside the home that may provide potential for mosquito breeding, such as poorly maintained swimming pools, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers with water.

— Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.

— Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses.

While it’s important to take precautions around the home, health officials advise residents to use mosquito repellents when outdoors, especially during the evening when mosquitoes are most active. Repellents containing the ingredients DEET or picaidin are the most effective. For the best protection against biting mosquitoes during the evening, wear clothing that covers arms and legs, and mist the clothing with repellent, as well.

While there is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus in humans, there is a preventative vaccine for horses. Veterinarians recommend vaccinating all equines against the virus. Change horse watering troughs often to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Troughs can be treated with safe larvicide products, available at most feed stores. When using insecticides on horses for fly prevention, veterinarians recommend using products that are effective against mosquitoes, too.

According to statistics from two weather stations on Fort Huachuca, the rainfall during this year’s monsoon has been heavier than in recent previous years. More rain means more mosquitoes. The following rainfall figures were taken on Fort Huachuca for the months of July and August:

— July

2006 4.20 inches

2005 2.48 inches

2004 1.39 inches

— August

2006 4.72 inches

2005 3.83 inches

2004 2.63 inches

Monsoons typically extend from the beginning of July to the end of September. In the first seven days of September, there has already been 3.17 inches of rain on Fort Huachuca, and according to weather reports, more rain is in the forecast.

Take the health department’s precautions seriously and stay protected against mosquitoes.

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