West Nile Virus in Missouri: Increased Risk of Human Disease July through October
West Nile Virus in Missouri: Increased Risk of Human
Disease July through October
As Missourians plan outdoor activities for the upcoming
Fourth of July holiday, they should remember to pack insect repellent to ward
off mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus.
Human cases of West Nile Virus typically surface in July in
Missouri and can continue through October. Though the number of Missouri cases
has decreased over the past six years, the virus still poses the risk of serious
illness, debilitation and even death, said Dr. Howard Pue, the public health
veterinarian for Missouri.
Last year’s total of 15 cases in the state was a record low
in the seven years the virus has been present in Missouri. But Pue warned that
the drop in 2008 likely resulted from cool early summer temperatures as well as
frequent rainfall, which had the effect of flushing out many mosquito breeding
locations.
“The number of people affected by WNV disease and the
location of intense outbreaks will change each year,” said Pue. “I am concerned
that people are unaware of their personal risk or have let down their guard. We
all must do what we can to protect ourselves, our family and our community from
WNV.”
Nearly 450 Missourians have become ill and 24 have died from
West Nile Virus since the virus was first reported in the state in 2002. Many
cases are not reported, so the true number of WNV-related illnesses is certainly
higher. It is clear that West Nile Virus is now well established in Missouri
and across the United States, Pue said.
One in five persons infected with WNV will develop symptoms,
although most will have only a mild, flu-like disease. For most, illness lasts
a few days. But the illness can last several weeks, even in otherwise healthy
people. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and
sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.
Pue warned that some people, particularly those over 50 and
those with underlying medical conditions, can develop severe disease with
life-altering consequences. The virus can cause polio-like paralysis or
encephalitis and meningitis, two conditions that cause inflammation around the
brain. These diseases cause neurological damage and can be
fatal.
To defend against mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile Virus,
use these simple but effective techniques:
·
When outdoors, use insect repellents with DEET, picaridin,
or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Re-apply if mosquitoes start to bite, always
following label instructions;
·
Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active
— between dusk and dawn;
·
Fix or install window and door screens;
·
Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by emptying
standing water. Change the water in outdoor pet dishes daily and rinse out
birdbaths and potted plant saucers weekly. Empty children’s wading pools, store
buckets indoors, and turn in old tires for recycling.
