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For immediate release: October 11, 2006 (06-159)
Contacts:
Jeff Smith, Communications Office
360-236-4072; pgr 360-240-3377
Deanna Mill, Communications
Office 360-236-4022
West Nile virus update: Clark County man is state’s third human case
OLYMPIA ¾ A Clark County man in his 50’s is Washington’s third person infected with West Nile virus within state borders. Blood tests at the state Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline were confirmed today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The man became ill in early September and did not travel out of the state during the time he was bitten by an infected mosquito. He developed mild symptoms — a rash and fever — and has since 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 get sick or have symptoms, yet it can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50.
"This case reminds us of the importance of protecting ourselves from mosquito bites," said Jo Hoffman, state epidemiologist for communicable disease. "It’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection."
A dead crow in Island County was also confirmed today to be infected with the virus. The crow was collected in September near Oak Harbor and sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington State University for testing.
Last month, the CDC confirmed two other human cases of West Nile infection in a man and woman in Pierce County — the first people reported to acquire the infection within the state.
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. And it’s 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 have been five horse infections acquired in our state (more than 30 tested); there have been no positive mosquito samples (more than 1,200 tested) and two dead birds (more than 350 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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