West Nile Is In U.S.A Now
Two Washington residents who traveled through the Mid-Columbia within the last month likely have been infected with West Nile virus, officials from the Benton-Franklin Health District announced Wednesday.
The state Department of Health is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will review blood tests, so official confirmation could take several weeks. Both people potentially had exposure in the area between Grandview and Prosser, health district officials said.
One of the potentially infected people had neuro-invasive symptoms such as headache and confusion and was diagnosed with meningitis, while the other had West Nile fever.
"Which is more common," said Susan Shelton, a health district environmental health specialist.
Officials didn't disclose where the two people are now.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness for people and can cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches, skin rash or fatigue and weakness.
But "most people show no symptoms," said Heather Hill, the health district's communicable disease program supervisor.
If symptoms do appear, they usually begin two to 15 days after exposure to the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes from some birds to humans and horses.
Mosquitoes, birds and horses in Benton, Grant and Yakima counties have tested positive for the virus.
So far this year in Washington, six birds — three from Prosse r — and 25 horses — including three in Benton County — have tested positive for West Nile, said Bruce Perkins, the health district's director of environmental health.
The virus has been detected in 41 mosquito samples in the three counties, according to the Department of Health. In 2006, three people in Washington were infected with the virus, according to the health district.
"People still aren't getting the message that West Nile is out there and they need to take precautions," Perkins said.
The health district suggests getting rid of old tires and containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Also, avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas, use mosquito repellents with DEET and put screens on doors and windows.
Those who have symptoms of West Nile virus and have mosquito bites should contact their doctor.
California health officials have come out and confirmed the first death from the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County.
Last Friday, health officials in the state of California came out and confirmed the first death from West Nile virus this year in the county.
It is believed that the man who died from the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County was in his 80s.
He died earlier this month from the disease, after being treated in the hospital.
There have been 69 people who have been infected with the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year alone.
This compared to just 43 cases last year, and five deaths in total.
Health officials fear that this is only the beginning, and that more deaths are to come.
The state Department of Health is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will review blood tests, so official confirmation could take several weeks. Both people potentially had exposure in the area between Grandview and Prosser, health district officials said.
One of the potentially infected people had neuro-invasive symptoms such as headache and confusion and was diagnosed with meningitis, while the other had West Nile fever.
"Which is more common," said Susan Shelton, a health district environmental health specialist.
Officials didn't disclose where the two people are now.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness for people and can cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches, skin rash or fatigue and weakness.
But "most people show no symptoms," said Heather Hill, the health district's communicable disease program supervisor.
If symptoms do appear, they usually begin two to 15 days after exposure to the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes from some birds to humans and horses.
Mosquitoes, birds and horses in Benton, Grant and Yakima counties have tested positive for the virus.
So far this year in Washington, six birds — three from Prosse r — and 25 horses — including three in Benton County — have tested positive for West Nile, said Bruce Perkins, the health district's director of environmental health.
The virus has been detected in 41 mosquito samples in the three counties, according to the Department of Health. In 2006, three people in Washington were infected with the virus, according to the health district.
"People still aren't getting the message that West Nile is out there and they need to take precautions," Perkins said.
The health district suggests getting rid of old tires and containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Also, avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas, use mosquito repellents with DEET and put screens on doors and windows.
Those who have symptoms of West Nile virus and have mosquito bites should contact their doctor.
California health officials have come out and confirmed the first death from the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County.
Last Friday, health officials in the state of California came out and confirmed the first death from West Nile virus this year in the county.
It is believed that the man who died from the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County was in his 80s.
He died earlier this month from the disease, after being treated in the hospital.
There have been 69 people who have been infected with the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year alone.
This compared to just 43 cases last year, and five deaths in total.
Health officials fear that this is only the beginning, and that more deaths are to come.