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May
12, 2004
Little
Rock — The Arkansas Department of Health is beginning its surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses in Arkansas and is testing dead birds and mosquitoes for West Nile Virus (WNV). Horses are also tested for West Nile Virus if they show signs of encephalitis.
Dr. Sharon Williams, state public health veterinarian, says, “Blue jays and crows are especially likely to die if infected with West Nile virus. Therefore, they are excellent sentinel birds for tracking the spread of the disease. Arkansans may bring dead blue jays and crows to their local health unit so that testing can be arranged.
Here are some facts about mosquitoes and the risks they pose to Arkansans:
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When mosquitoes feed on an infected bird or mammal, they may pick up the virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Not all mosquitoes have the virus in them, but certainly, the more mosquito bites one gets, the greater the risk of catching the disease. There are no reports of WNV in humans in Arkansas so far this year. Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Less than one percent of persons bitten by an infected mosquito develop severe illness. Older individuals (fifty years and over) are at greater risk of developing severe illness and encephalitis.
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There is no specific treatment for arboviral infections; avoiding mosquitoes is the best prevention.
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Symptoms of infection typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint aches, listlessness and possibly encephalitis (swelling of the brain which is the most dangerous symptom).
West Nile Virus was first recognized in the Western Hemisphere in the summer of 1999. The virus spread quickly across the country in three years. During the year 2000, there were over 4,000 human cases in the US (43 cases reported in Arkansas) that resulted in 284 deaths (three in Arkansas directly
Attributed to WNV and two more deaths in persons testing positive for the virus). In addition, West Nile virus infected animals including over 12,000 horses in the US (148 in Arkansas) and countless numbers of birds belonging to 157 species (555 birds, mostly blue jays and crows were positive in our state). In 2003, Arkansas had only 26 human cases of WNV, and there were no deaths attributable to the virus.
Mosquitoes breed in any body of water. This includes water in small containers, such as tree holes and tin cans, to large bodies of water like lakes or marshes. These breeding places create a variety of mosquito problems. To help stop mosquitoes from breeding, Arkansans should:
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Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic posts or similar water-holding containers.
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Remove discarded tires from surrounding property.
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Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
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Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Change the water in bird baths.
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Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
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Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
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Drain water from pool covers.
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Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, make sure all windows and doors have screens, which are in good repair. You should also stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active --- from dusk to dawn. When it is necessary to be outdoors during this time, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent (containing up to 35 percent DEET). Use the following precautions when using repellents containing DEET:
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Store out of the reach of children and read all instructions on the label before applying.
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Do not allow young children to apply DEET themselves.
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Do not apply DEET directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put on the child, avoiding the child’s face and hands.
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Avoid prolonged and excessive use if DEET.
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Do not apply repellents in enclosed areas.
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Do not apply directly to your face.
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Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
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If you believe you or your child are experiencing an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately and call your health care provider.
The Health Department has established an automated West Nile Virus phone line to respond to public inquiries. If you have a question, please call
1-877-296-9555. This phone line is now activated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile Virus hotline is 1-888-246-2675; 1-888-246-2857 (Spanish). For more data on West Nile Virus, visit our website
www.healthyarkansas.com.
The Health Department will monitor the state with regard to mosquitoes and arboviruses and issue health advisories if necessary.
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