For immediate release: September 13, 2006 (06-143)

Contacts:
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072
Deanna Mill, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ A Pierce County man in his forties is confirmed as the state’s first human infection with West Nile virus. Blood tests at the state Public Health Laboratories were positive, so samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which confirmed the positive result today. The man did not travel out of the state during the likely time he was bitten by an infected mosquito; he developed mild symptoms — a rash and fever — in July, sought medical attention in August, and has recovered. The disease is not spread person to person so he is not a threat to public health.

"Most people who are infected with West Nile virus don’t ever get sick or have symptoms, yet it can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50 years of age," said Dr. Jo Hofmann, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease. "Avoiding mosquito bites is the best prevention. With our first in-state infection, it’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection."

People can avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; making sure that door and window screens are in good working condition; and using a mosquito repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Always follow label instructions when using mosquito repellents. It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Turning over old buckets or cans, emptying water from old tires, and frequently changing water in birdbaths, pet dishes and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito species breed.

West Nile infection can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness.

West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds, and then pass the virus to uninfected birds, humans, horses or other hosts. Crows, ravens, magpies and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the virus. The Department of Health is monitoring for the presence of West Nile virus by tracking mosquito samples, horses, and dead birds. So far in 2006, there has been one horse infection acquired in our state out of 28 tested; there have been no positive mosquito samples (912 tested), or dead birds (273 tested).

The Department of Health West Nile virus information line 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and the agency’s West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn more.

The Department of Health is working with local health partners as well as other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on West Nile virus monitoring, planning, control and prevention.

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