For Week Ending September 20, 2002

(Little Rock--) The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) previously reported three confirmed human cases of West Nile virus infection, three additional suspect cases of the infection in humans and one additional county recording West Nile virus activity in birds during the week ending September 20. The confirmed human cases were one in Pulaski and two in Jefferson counties; the three new suspect human cases were one each in Jefferson, Bradley and Union counties; the new county with the virus detected in birds was Cleburne.

For Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Today, the Arkansas Department of Health is reporting that one suspect case patient for West Nile virus in Union County has died; the cause of death is as yet undetermined. As with other suspect cases, a sample is being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.

ADH is also reporting two new confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, one new suspect case of West Nile virus in a human and one suspect case of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) in a human. The confirmed cases are in Arkansas and Jefferson counties; the new suspect case for West Nile is in Jefferson County; the SLE suspect case is in Pulaski County. The suspect cases have been sent to the CDC.

St. Louis Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus, does not cause disease in animals; it is strictly a human disease. Arkansas experiences sporadic cases of SLE. In 2001, there were two cases of SLE, resulting in one death in Jefferson County. Most people experience flu-like symptoms. The largest outbreak in recent years was in 1991 in Jefferson County, with 28 hospitalized and five of those, all over the age of 60, resulting in death. Those most at risk are the elderly.

For more information about SLE, visit the CDC website fact sheet at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/slefact.htm.

With these additions, Arkansas now has 11 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans and 48 counties affected by the virus based on testing of dead crows and blue jays. For a complete list and to view current updates, visit the ADH website at www.healthyarkansas.com/westnilevirus.htm. For specific bird information, visit the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry website at www.arlpc.org.

In a related matter, Dr. Fay Boozman, ADH director, was a panel member reporting to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Governmental Management about West Nile virus in Washington, DC, today (Tuesday, September 24, 2002).

West Nile virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes biting humans, horses and other animals after feeding on diseased birds, which are the host animals. Not all mosquitoes have a virus in them, but certainly, the more mosquito bites one gets, the greater the risk of catching a disease. Most people that get bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick or only show very mild or no symptoms. Symptoms of human West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of fever, muscle and joint aches, listlessness, and in most severe cases, headaches leading to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

When it is necessary to be outdoors, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent containing up to 35 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide).
Use the following precautions when using repellents containing DEET:

Store out of the reach of children and read all instructions on the label before applying.
Do not allow young children to apply DEET themselves.
Do not apply DEET directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child, avoiding the child's face and hands.
Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET.
Do not apply repellents in enclosed areas.
Do not apply directly to your face.
Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.

If you believe you or your child is having an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately and call your health care provider.

The health department is continuing to monitor the state for mosquito-borne diseases and has established a West Nile virus hotline to respond to public inquiries. If you have a question, please call 501.280.4817 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For after hours and weekends, please call 1.800.554.5738.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile virus hotline is 1.888.246.2675; 1.888.246.2857 (Spanish).

For more information on West Nile virus, visit our website at www.healthyarkansas.com/services/westnilevirus_main.htm.

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