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For Immediate Release: May 30, 2003 (03-096-R)
Contacts:
Donn Moyer,
Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tim Church,
Communications Office 360-236-4077
Health departments investigate first suspected human case of
West Nile virus acquired in Washington state
Kennewick ¾ A Franklin County man is being evaluated for suspected West Nile virus (WNV) infection, based on the results of preliminary tests. The man became ill in mid-May, was treated as an outpatient and is now recovering. The state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are running more tests, but if confirmed this would be the first human case of this mosquito-borne disease acquired in Washington state.
"Many people are concerned about West Nile virus; rightfully, this case will create even more concern," said Benton-Franklin Health Officer Dr. Larry Jecha. "We want to use this opportunity to stress the importance of people protecting themselves from mosquito bites to prevent exposure to West Nile virus and the importance of mosquito control districts to help reduce the risk of mosquito transmitted disease. This virus can cause serious illness, but most people who are infected have no symptoms or develop only mild symptoms such as headache, fever and body aches."
WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and lining of the brain). Commercial tests for WNV are not specific, and can cross-react with other closely related mosquitoes-borne viruses. Although the patient’s preliminary test results are positive for a mosquito borne-illness, confirmation of West Nile virus infection by the CDC will take about two weeks.
"We’ve been preparing for West Nile virus in our state for some time, and we’re not surprised to have a suspected human case," said state Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "This is a reminder that mosquito season is here and we should all take precautions to avoid mosquito bites."
The Department of Health West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) and toll-free telephone line, 1-866-78VIRUS, provide information on avoiding the disease, including mosquito bite prevention and mosquito breeding habitat reduction strategies, as well as information for health care providers on recognition and reporting suspected human WNV infections.
The state Department of Health and local health departments are working together on monitoring and testing dead birds to detect West Nile virus and track the disease. Dead birds are often the first indicator that WNV has moved into a new area, as occurred last fall in Washington. State and local health agencies also provide education on mosquito bite prevention and reducing preferred mosquito-breeding sites around homes.
"Our West Nile virus surveillance project detected the disease in two birds and two horses in Washington last year, which told us the virus was here. The patient in Franklin County is among several suspected cases of human WNV infection being investigated in the United States," said Dr. Jo Hofmann, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease for the Washington Department of Health.
Mosquitoes carrying WNV can transmit the disease to people, horses and birds. The statewide WNV project monitors all three groups. The Department of Health and local health partners are sending select dead birds to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) for testing. Horse testing is also being done at WADDL this year.
Additional information about West Nile virus surveillance in the Tri-Cities area is available from the Benton-Franklin Health District, 509-582-7761.
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