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*
Results from one suspect case sent to
private lab by physician. ADH sent sample
to CDC for testing.
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With
these additions, Arkansas now has six confirmed
cases of West Nile virus in humans and 45 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.
Media
members are reminded that they may contact either
Ann Wright or Bob Alvey as needed at 501-661-2474
and 501-661-2743, respectively. They may be
reached after hours through the ADH Communications
Center at 501-661-2136.
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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