ADH Reports 3 Additional Suspect Human Cases of 
West Nile Virus

Robert J. Alvey, ADH Office of Communications 
(501) 661-2743 | After hours, call (501) 661-2136

Little Rock — The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting three additional suspect cases of West Nile virus, two from Jefferson County and one from Pulaski County. Samples will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.

Arkansas has no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus.

To date, 11 suspect cases have been sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing. Following is a breakdown of the suspect cases:

Because the numbers are constantly changing, 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.

Three More Counties Added to West Nile Virus List Based on Dead Birds

ADH is reporting eight additional birds testing positive for West Nile virus, expanding the affected counties to include Conway, Logan and Ouachita. To date, 139 birds have tested positive for the virus in 35 counties. For a complete listing of affected counties, visit the department’s website at www.healthyarkansas.com/westnilevirus.htm.

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).

Less than one percent of persons infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness, according to CDC.  Of those one percent with severe illness, death rates range from three to 15 percent and are highest among the elderly.  Also at risk are persons with weakened immune systems.  There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection; avoiding mosquitoes is the best prevention.

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 data on West Nile virus, visit our website at www.healthyarkansas.com/westnilevirus.htm.