| Saturday,
August 17, 2002
Little Rock —
The
Arkansas Department of Health is reporting four additional
suspect cases of West Nile virus in humans, one each
from Arkansas, Jefferson, Monroe and Union counties.
Samples will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.
To
date, eight suspect cases have been sent to the CDC
for confirmatory testing. The first suspect case, from
Union County, tested negative for West Nile virus. In
addition to the four suspect cases reported today are
two suspect cases from Arkansas County and another suspect
case from Jefferson County pending CDC results. Arkansas
has no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus.
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.
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.
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).
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