First Death from West Nile Virus in Boulder County this
Season
Officials warn that risk of infection remains high
August 15, 2007—Boulder—Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) has
confirmed the first death from West Nile virus (WNV) in
Boulder County for the 2007 season; it is the third death
from WNV in Colorado this year. Previous deaths in Boulder
County from WNV include one in 2006 and seven in 2003.
The 89-year-old Boulder County man reported he first became
ill around July 5. He developed meningoencephalitis as a
result of the virus and died on August 9. "We wish to
express our deepest sympathies to the patient's family,"
said Heath Harmon, Communicable Disease Division Manager for
BCPH. "This is a very unfortunate reminder of just how
potentially serious WNV infection can be and why residents
should continue to take precautions against mosquitoes
bites."
A total of 93 human cases of WNV disease have been reported
in Colorado as of August 15, including 23 confirmed cases in
Boulder County. Of the confirmed Boulder County cases, four
have resulted in neurological disease - a more serious form
of WNV that can result in death, particularly among the
elderly and those with underlying serious medical
conditions.
WNV cases have been confirmed in many of the municipalities
within Boulder County, as well as in unincorporated Boulder
County. Public health officials remind residents that WNV is
still a risk until we experience the first hard freeze of
the season.
"We are very concerned about the level of virus activity
throughout the county, and we are urging residents of all
ages to take the necessary steps to reduce their exposure to
mosquitoes," said Joe Malinowski, Consumer Protection
Program Coordinator for BCPH. "As long as there are areas of
water where mosquitoes can breed and temperatures stay warm,
the human risk of infection will remain high."
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 death.
Symptoms of WNV include fever, extreme fatigue, 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 doctors or local
community health clinics. There is no treatment, cure, or
human vaccination for WNV; health care providers can only
treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly
recover more quickly.
Public health officials urge residents to heed their warning
and take action to protect themselves by following ALL of
the four Ds, which 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 at 1-877-462-2911 (available in
Spanish and English).
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