Is West Nile Virus a Threat in
Your Area This Year?
ACEP
advises checking CDC incidence reports, protecting against mosquito bites
Washington,
D.C. — Cases of West Nile Virus have increased four-fold over the same
time last year, potentially signaling an epidemic in certain areas,
according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). So far,
122 cases have been registered nationally, up from 33 at the same time
last year, with 42 brain infections and three deaths reported this year.
“Given
the jump in reported cases, along with the minute chance of developing
life-threatening illness, we are asking people in areas where it is
prevalent to become familiar with the incidence and symptoms of West Nile
Virus and to take extra precautions against mosquito bites,” said Brian
Keaton, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency
Physicians (ACEP). “These steps are especially important for the
elderly, young children and persons with suppressed immune systems.”
The
hardest-hit West Nile Virus areas to date include the Dakotas, with 42
cases, and California, with 27, but the virus could also spike in other
states as peak mosquito season gets underway in August and September.
Also, because incidence levels of the virus are subject to change, based
on rainfall levels and other variables, ACEP recommends checking the
CDC’s West Nile Virus homepage (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm)
for updates and maps.
First
reported in the United States in 1999, West Nile Virus causes only a mild,
flu-like illness 20 percent of the time. Still, the virus is considered a
public health concern because of the risk of contracting a potentially
fatal brain infection in about 1 percent of cases. In addition, the risk
of illness severity is greater for persons over age 50 and for those who
are immunocompromised.
Preventing
Mosquito Bites is Key
Because West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best way to
reduce the chance of becoming infected is to avoid getting bitten.
Here’s how:
-
Use insect repellent such as DEET (no more than 10 percent formula for children; not intended for use on infants under 2 months old) or natural oil of lemon eucalyptus (not intended for use on children under age 3) on clothing and skin; for details on insect repellents and usage guidelines see www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm.
-
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by draining sources of standing water, inserting mosquito larvae pellets in drains, maintaining clean gutters and keeping fountain waters flowing.
-
If possible, cover up; wear long-sleeves and pants when outdoors.
-
Stay inside between sunset and sunrise, when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
-
Install or repair screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.
-
Investigate and support your community’s mosquito-control program (many communities practice integrated pest management; for details, see www.beyondpesticides.org).
Know
the Differences Between Mild and Severe Infection
Since avoiding mosquitoes entirely is nearly impossible, the good news is
that West Nile Virus is not a major health concern for most people, first
because it is not contagious, and, second, because it tends to be
asymptomatic. Among the one in five persons who do fall ill, typical
symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, aches and pains, and, in some
cases, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash on the trunk of the body. These
symptoms generally last for only a few days, but in some cases can linger
for a few weeks.
West Nile Virus infection of the brain and nervous system is rare but
potentially deadly. Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness,
stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and
paralysis. Such illnesses include West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of
the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain
and spinal cord) and West Nile poliomyelitis (inflammation of the spinal
cord that causes sudden weakness and/or paralysis in the limbs and/or
breathing muscles). Severe disease may last several weeks and can be
fatal. Because there is no specific treatment available for West Nile
Virus infection, prevention of mosquito bites is critical.
“While
West Nile Virus is not a concern in most cases, it is important to be
aware of the symptoms of severe infection and to seek immediate medical
attention if those symptoms arise,” Dr. Keaton advised.
ACEP
is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine
with more than 25,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency
care through continuing education, research and public education.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each
state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government
Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military
branches and other government agencies.
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