| August
16, 2002
Little Rock —
The Arkansas Department of
Health is reporting another suspect case of West Nile
virus in a resident of Jefferson County. A sample of the
blood is being sent to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.
The department has
sent three other suspect cases to the CDC for
confirmatory testing. The first case, from Union County,
tested negative. The second and third cases, both from
Arkansas County, are pending CDC results. To date,
Arkansas still has no confirmed human cases of West Nile
virus.
Statistics indicate that less than one percent of people
bitten by infected mosquitoes ever experience symptoms
severe enough to require medical attention.
“It’s
entirely possible that we have already had a human case
of West Nile virus in Arkansas, but it was not
identified as such,” said Fay Boozman, department
director. “Most people that get bitten by infected
mosquitoes show no signs and symptoms.”
Because the numbers are changing minute by minute, and
because negative result tests do not present a public
health risk, the ADH will only be reporting suspect
cases being submitted to the CDC for confirmatory
testing. After the West Nile virus season has subsided,
the department will provide a complete report for
publication.
“We
want to thank the leaders in Jefferson County for taking
the initiative with their countywide clean-up effort
after learning that birds have tested positive in their
county,” Boozman said. “The citizens’ effort to
eliminate standing and stagnant water is critical in the
battle to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of
West Nile virus.”
Mosquitoes
can breed in any body of water, from small containers
such as tires 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:
-
Dispose
of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or
similar water-holding containers.
-
Remove
all discarded tires on your property.
-
Drill
holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that
are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain
properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and
fall.
-
Turn
over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not
in use. Change the water in birdbaths.
-
Clean
vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
-
Clean
and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and
hot tubs.
-
Drain
water from pool covers.
-
Use
landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that
collects on your property.
Hunters
Advised to Take Extra Precautions
Hunting
season for doves and other animals is about to begin.
The department reports that doves and other birds are
safe to eat after being thoroughly cooked. Hunters do
need to take proper precautions when handing the birds,
wear gloves when cleaning the animals and protect
themselves from mosquito bites while hunting during dawn
or dusk.
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.
Care
of Pets
The
department reports that dogs and cats are thought to be
resistant to West Nile virus. Studies following an
outbreak of the virus in New York in 1999 revealed that
some dogs and cats had been exposed to the virus but had
never shown signs of the illness.
Horses
are fairly sensitive to the virus but can be vaccinated
to offer protection against the illness. However, it may
take seven to 12 weeks for a horse to develop sufficient
antibodies to be fully protected, and the vaccine must
be administered in two doses, three weeks apart.
Many
pet birds could be infected with the virus, but the
severity of the illness varies widely with the species.
To be safe, make sure that your pet bird is not exposed
to mosquitoes.
Little
data exist about other species, but most are not thought
to be highly susceptible. If you notice neurological
signs in your pet, such as falling, weakness,
staggering, circling, or behavior change, consult your
veterinarian. Always remember that rabies must be ruled
out in the case of signs of this nature, so make sure
your dogs and cats have their rabies shots current.
For
additional information about your pets, contact Phil
Wyrick, director of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry
Commission at 501-907-2400.
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. To
date, the department has received 1,267 phone calls.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile
virus hotline is 1.888.246-2675; 1.888.246.2857
(Spanish).
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