First West Nile Virus Deaths in Colorado Announced
August 10, 2007—Denver—State health officials Friday announced the first
deaths in
Colorado related to West Nile virus for 2007. The first
death involved a
63-year-old patient who became ill around July 11 and died
on August 2
from complications associated with West Nile virus
encephalitis. On
August 4, a 77-year-old patient died from meningoencephalitis after
becoming ill on July 26. Both deaths occurred in Denver
County
residents.
"We extend our sympathy to these patients' families,"
said John
Pape, an epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public
Health and
Environment in charge of West Nile virus surveillance.
"These tragic
events underscore how serious West Nile virus infections can
be and why
it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
"While most infections don't cause illness or are less
severe, these
deaths clearly demonstrate that West Nile virus can have
serious,
potentially fatal consequences. There is no way to predict
how severe an
infection will be in any one person, therefore prevention is
key," he
explained. To date, 72 cases of West Nile virus have been
reported to the state
this year, according to Pape. "However, that number will
continue to
rise as new cases are being reported daily," he said.
Since the first death was recorded in 2003, 76 Coloradans
have
died from West Nile virus. Seven deaths were reported in
2006, with the
first death occurring on August 25.
Mosquito surveillance conducted by local health
departments and
the Department of Public Health and Environment continues to
show an
elevated risk in eastern Colorado, especially in the
northern Front
Range. "Although it appears unlikely we will reach the
number of cases
reported in 2003 when Colorado was hard hit, this year is
shaping up to
be the most active year since then. Take whatever steps are
necessary to
avoid mosquito bites," emphasized Pape. Pape advised
Coloradans to follow the "Four Ds" to protect
themselves against mosquito bites. They include:
- Dawn/dusk-Be sure to use protection or avoid being outside
during these times of the day, when mosquitoes are most
active.
- Dress-Wear loose fitting, lightweight long
sleeves and pants
when you're outside. For extra protection, spray thin
clothing with
insect repellent.
- DEET- Whenever you're outdoors, use an
insect repellent with
DEET (N, N-diethylm-toluamide) or another repellent approved
by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as products
containing
picaridin and lemon of eucalyptus oil. DEET products
generally provide
the longest protection times. Other repellents do work but
must be
applied more frequently. Follow the label directions, and
use products
with lower concentrations of DEET on children. Higher
concentrations
don't protect better; they just provide longer protection.
- Drain-Get rid of standing water in your backyard and
neighborhood. Drain any standing water in old tires,
flowerpots and
clogged rain gutters. These are mosquito-breeding sites.
Change the
water in birdbaths at least weekly.
Pape advised anyone
with questions about West Nile virus to call the
Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CoHELP) at
1-877-462-2911. Information also is available online at
www.fightthebitecolorado.com . --30-- |
