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November
04, 2002
For
Monday, November 4, 2002
Little
Rock - Cold weather reduces mosquito populations
and greatly limits the transmission of mosquito-borne
diseases. As a result of recent weather conditions in
Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is
suspending surveillance of West Nile virus activity
for the 2002 season.
Effective
immediately, birds will not be accepted for testing.
Surveillance of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne
diseases will resume sometime in May 2003.
"We
thank everyone who has helped us track and record West
Nile virus in Arkansas this year," ADH director
Fay Boozman said. "This effort could never have
been accomplished without the support of our neighbors
and friends who responded to the call to assist us with
the surveillance effort."
ADH
will continue to report on outstanding cases of suspect
West Nile virus in humans during 2002. To date, Arkansas
has 20 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans,
21 suspect cases pending Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) confirmatory testing and 64 counties
affected by the virus based on testing of dead crows
and blue jays. To date there are no confirmed deaths
related to West Nile virus in Arkansas.
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.
RECAP:
For the Week Ending November 2, 2002
The
Department reported one suspect human case identified
in Sebastian County. A sample from the suspect case
was sent to CDC for confirmatory testing.
The
Department also reported five counties testing positive
for West Nile virus in birds: Clark, Johnson, Pike,
Polk and Yell.
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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