First human case of West Nile Virus in Boulder County for 2006
August 7, 2006, Boulder, Colo. – The
first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Boulder County for 2006
was confirmed late last week. The Boulder man, in his mid-thirties,
was tested for the virus after experiencing symptoms of fever,
headache, and muscle aches. He recalled getting multiple mosquito
bites in the two weeks before his symptoms began and reported that
he did not use insect repellent. The man continues to report extreme
fatigue and headache after physical activity. Boulder County Public
Health (BCPH) staff is also investigating at least one other
suspected case of the disease.
“This first positive case does not come as a
surprise,” said Heath Harmon, Boulder County Public Health
epidemiologist. “With the rapid increase in mosquito pools testing
positive for WNV in the county over the past month, this is a strong
reminder that we must continue to take precautions to protect
ourselves.”
There have been 14 positive WNV tests in
mosquito pools in Boulder County so far this season. Although this
is the first human case reported in Boulder County, as of August 3,
11 human cases of WNV have been reported in the state so far this
year.
“It was my hope that we were not seeing human
cases in Boulder County because of the diligence of our residents in
protecting themselves,” said Helen Majzler, Boulder County Public
Health Clinical Director. “It’s easy to forget to take these
important steps when we’re busy with the demands of our lives, but
it is imperative that we make it a priority no matter what our
schedule.”
WNV is a disease that can be transmitted to
humans by mosquitoes. While most infections are mild, the more
serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the
brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining), loss
of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and in some cases,
death.
“It’s best to use repellent or wear long
sleeves and pants if you think you might be out between dusk and
dawn – even if it’s just to take the dog for a walk,” said Majzler.
“It only takes one mosquito bite to change your health.”
Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, body
aches, and can occasionally include skin rashes and swollen lymph
nodes. Generally, symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by
a mosquito. Persons who experience these symptoms should consult
with their doctor or local community health clinic.
There is no treatment, cure, or vaccination for
WNV; health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help
patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly. The only
treatment available is prevention.
Public health officials remind residents that,
as we enjoy these warm temperatures with outdoor activities,
particularly at dusk and dawn, it is important that everyone take
action to protect themselves by following ALL of the four Ds. The 4
D’s are:
-
DEET – use DEET-enhanced insect repellant
or alternative.
-
Dress in long sleeves and pants.
-
Dusk to dawn - avoid the outdoors.
-
Drain standing water outside the home.
For more information about WNV, please visit
the BCPH website at www.BoulderCountyMosquito.net. A pre-recorded
message for general information is also available at 303-441-1460.
To ask specific questions, call the Colorado Health Education Line
for the public at 1-877-462-2911 (available in Spanish and English).
If people suspect they have WNV symptoms, BCPH
urges them to consult with their primary care physicians.
Additional information:
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