West Nile Threat Seen Growing Fast In U.S.

In many cities now throughout the United States health experts are saying mosquitos truly bite — in more ways than one.

The problem: there are increasing fears that the West Nile virus is popping up all over the United States. You can see the acclerating number of cases being reported across the U.S.A

In San Diego County, the Union Tribune notes, two dead birds have been diagnosed with the disease so far this year. And two people reportedly contracted it last year. and health officials want to prevent any more illnesses. In the city of Oceanside, the paper reports, a six-member panel met to discuss a proposed program aimed for the Buena Vista Lagoon:”,”Restoring Nature to Reduce Mosquitoes: Can Wetlands Restoration Design and Management Lower West Nile Virus Transmission?” Six times a year helicopters spray larvicide at the lagoon.

Elsehwere in California, an 84-year old Perris man died from the virus — the state’s second West Nile virus-related death.

In Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times reports:

Two suburban men have been diagnosed with mosquito-borne West Nile disease — the first such cases recorded in Illinois this year, health officials said Friday. More cases are likely, however, because the hot, dry weather dogging the region suits the Culex species of mosquito that transmits the illness, officials said.

The news isn’t good in New York City, either, according to Medical News Today:

The first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) in New York City during the 2005 mosquito season have been detected, health officials announced today. Three pools of mosquitoes collected in the Bronx have tested positive for WNV; the infected mosquitoes were identified in the neighborhoods of Eastchester, Woodlawn, and Baychester. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has increased mosquito surveillance and larviciding in these areas; no spraying is planned at this time.

Additionally, two Manhattan residents – both males, ages 50 and 54 – have been preliminarily diagnosed with West Nile fever. Both patients have recent travel history outside the City and investigations are underway to better determine where they were infected. While they have exhibited symptoms of WNV infection (e.g., headache, fever, chills), neither of them were hospitalized and both are recovering. With the official arrival of the West Nile virus season, DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH reminded New Yorkers – particularly those over the age of 50 – to eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes can breed around the home, reduce exposure to mosquitoes, and use insect repellants.

In Massachusetts? Mosquitos have tested positive for the virus.

In Houston, the Houston Chronicle reports:”Houston has recorded its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus this year — a 60-year-old woman who developed meningitis..”AND:More than one case:

State health officials have confirmed that a 42-year-old Fort Worth man has contracted West Nile virus.

It is believed that the man contracted West Nile virus in the north side area of Fort Worth, where three positive mosquito samples have also been identified.

This is the first confirmed human case in Tarrant County this year. Three other cases have been confirmed in the state.

In Florida, the year’s first case has surfaced:

Florida’s first case this year of the potentially deadly West Nile virus has been diagnosed in Pinellas County, health officials said Friday afternoon.

The 27-year-old man who came down with the virus has not been hospitalized and is recovering at home, said Jeannine Mallory, Pinellas County Health Department spokeswoman.

In Nevada, a dead American crow tested positive for the dreaded sickeness:

“The bottom line is the West Nile Virus is in Nevada,” said Dr. Bradford Lee, State Health Officer. He suggested that people take precautions to prevent mosquito bites such as using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors, wearing pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks, removing standing water from around your house and making sure the screens on your doors and windows fit properly.

“People 50 years of age or older are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile Virus and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites,” said Lee.

Nevada State Veterinarian Dr. David Thain warned horse owners of how important it is to have their animals vaccinated for WNV as well.

Nebraska? Officials are looking into a suspected case there.

Indiana has seen its first case. North Carolina has, too.

In New Jersey, the virus has been identified among mosquitos in four counties:

“We expected to find the virus here this year,” said Ella Boyd, community health services coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department. “We believe that West Nile virus is established in the county and will be coming back each year.”

The Ocean County Mosquito Commission has taken remedial action at the breeding site in Brick where the West Nile virus was found, officials said.

In Rhode Island: tests show it’s there too.

And the list goes on. In Washington County, Oregon, officials there are taking a notably proactive approach: they’re distributing mosquito-eating fish to residents, even though the virus hasn’t shown up there yet.

Health officials in various parts of the country are urging precautions, among them:

1. Try not to be outside around dawn or dusk.
2. Wear long sleeves and long pants to minimize bites.
3. Use various bug repellent, particularly those
4. Eliminate standing water in hour home: it’s a breeding ground for mosquitos.

MORE READING
West Nile Virus
CDC West Nile Virus
Medicine Plus on West Nile
The National Pesticide Information Center
West Nile Fever (includes info for kids)