First Case of West Nile Virus in the County
is a
Reminder to Keep Your Guard Up
Chana Goussetis
Health Educator, Boulder County Public Health
303-413-7562
Heath Harmon
Epidemiologist, Boulder County Public Health
303-413-7530
August 25, 2005, Boulder – Boulder County Public Health
(BCPH) has confirmed the county’s first human case of West Nile Virus
(WNV) in 2005.
A 45-year-old Boulder woman was tested for the virus after
experiencing symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, bone and
joint pain, and a low-grade fever began on August 10th. She was not
hospitalized and is now recovering. The woman reported spending a lot
of time outdoors and did not consistently use insect repellent.
“This first positive case does not come as a surprise,” said Heath
Harmon, Boulder County Public Health epidemiologist. “With the sharp
increase in mosquito pools testing positive for WNV across the state
during the past two weeks, this is a strong reminder that WNV is in
Colorado, and we must continue to take precautions to protect
ourselves.”
As of August 23rd, this is the 27th human case of the virus in the
state. There have been no positive WNV tests in mosquito pools, birds,
or horses in Boulder County. Across the state 14 birds, 7 horses, and
38 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus.
“One feature of WNV is that outbreaks develop rapidly and progress
very quickly,” said Harmon. “The potential for significant activity
and increased risk to the public is high.” Experts from Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) estimate that most
areas of the state will probably see high levels of activity for at
least the next 4-6 weeks.
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.
Forty-five mosquito traps are located throughout the county in
areas known to be mosquito-dense. Depending on weather conditions,
each trap is collected and sent to CDPHE laboratory for testing each
week.
“Despite the absence of positive results in the county, it is
obvious that the virus is here, and we all need to keep up with
protection,” said Joe Malinowski, Consumer Protection Program
Coordinator for BCPH.
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.
“Now, more than ever, as the Labor Day holiday approaches and we
enjoy the end of summer outdoor activities, it is important that
everyone take action to protect themselves by using ALL of the four
Ds,” said Chana Goussetis, health educator for BCPH. 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 a pre-recorded message for general information
is 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 a person suspects they have WNV symptoms, BCPH urges them to
consult with their primary care physician.
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