In The News!
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 27, 2008
First Colorado Cases of West Nile Virus Confirmed
DENVER- State health officials have confirmed the first two human cases of West Nile virus for the 2008 season. The cases were reported from Boulder and Logan counties. Both patients are recovering from their illnesses.
John Pape, an epidemiologist who specializes in animal-related diseases at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, explained, “West Nile virus season is here. Now is the time to take precautions against West Nile virus, which is a preventable disease.
“West Nile virus can be avoided by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in back yards, wearing insect repellent and using other methods to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors.”
The cooperative surveillance conducted by state and local health departments started on June 1 has shown Culex mosquito populations are still low but increasing. Historically, populations of Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus, start to rapidly increase this time of year as temperatures begin to rise. “Typically around the first week
of July we start detecting our first positive mosquitoes, which the human cases show, already are out there,” Pape said.
He said each season this virus will be present and circulating around the state. The severity of the season will depend on the weather.
“Within the next couple weeks we will have an idea of how severe or mild this season may be,” he said.
Pape said 2007 was the second most active season for West Nile virus cases following the 2003 epidemic. Last year, Colorado reported 576 cases with 7 deaths. Ninety-nine cases, or 17 percent, had meningitis or encephalitis, indicating the virus had entered the central nervous system. “However, we know that even West Nile fever, the less severe form, can cause significant illness, last for weeks to months and can result in people being hospitalized. Prevention is the key,” Pape emphasized.
In reviewing statewide surveillance data from 2003 to 2006, Pape said patterns of human infections have emerged. “Approximately 85 percent of people who became ill with West Nile virus were infected when bitten by an infected mosquito during a six-week period from July 1 through the second week of August. Therefore, we are entering the peak season of West Nile virus transmission,” explained Pape.
Infected mosquitoes continue to feed through September and early October, depending on the weather, but fewer than 10 percent of human cases are contracted after Labor Day, Pape explained. “July and August are the highest-risk months of being infected, and people should be extra diligent during this time and use whatever methods available to
avoid mosquito bites. This is particularly important one hour before sunset through around midnight, when Culex mosquitoes are most actively feeding,” he said.
Pape said that individuals can reduce the number of mosquitoes by cleaning out gutters and other places around their homes where there are pools of standing water that are good breeding places for mosquitoes. Such breeding grounds include empty flowerpots, plastic swimming pools or old tires. “If you have a birdbath, remember to change the water at least weekly. This also is a good time to repair torn window and door screens,” he said.
Additional precautions to take against West Nile virus include the following:
Use precautions or avoid outdoor activities, such as gardening at dawn and after dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
If outside at dawn or after dusk, cover up by wearing light, loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks.
Use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products generally provide the longest protection. The other repellents work but must be applied more frequently. Follow the product label for correct use. Products with 10 percent or less DEET are recommended for children.
Colorado has experienced five full seasons of West Nile virus transmission, each with different levels of transmission. In 2006, there were 345 cases reported with seven deaths. The mildest year thus far was 2005, when Colorado had 106 human cases and two deaths.
In 2004, cases were moderate with a total of 291 human cases, including four deaths. This represented a sharp downturn from the first full season of West Nile virus in Colorado in 2003 when there were 2,947 confirmed human cases of the disease and 63 deaths. Only 14 cases were reported in 2002, when the virus was first detected in the state in August of that year. Overall, Colorado has recorded 4,280 human cases and 83 deaths, although the total number of identified cases represents only a small proportion of persons who actually became ill during this time.
Pape advised anyone who finds a dead bird to call the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CoHELP) at 1-877-462-2911. Mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then pass on the virus to humans. In addition to taking reports of dead birds, staff can answer most questions about West Nile virus. The Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Control Center operates the hotline under contract with the Department of Public Health and Environment.
Prevention tips and additional information about West Nile virus is available online at www.FightTheBiteColorado.com.
Ellen T. Cohen
Program Assistant
Office of Communications/Administration
(303) 692-2021
Fax: (303) 782-0095
West Nile virus in Fremont County is expected to be an important concern for residents of the County. In an effort to increase public awareness and provide educational presentations appropriate to the needs and interests of individuals and local groups regarding West Nile virus, Fremont County Commissioners have named J.R. Phillips to serve as Health Educator. His responsibilities will include promoting public awareness of West Nile virus infection, supporting other community agencies and governments while serving as point of contact for the general public. J.R. can be reached at 276-7317 to answer questions or schedule an inhouse presentation for your organization and/or group.
Support and active participation in the ongoing efforts of the City of Cañon City, Colorado State University Extension Service and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPH&E) is part of the day-to-day activities of the position. Answering questions regarding personal protection, property maintenance and what to use to treat standing water will provide immediate information. These contacts can be followed up with published materials and guidelines for future reference.
- Discovered in the West Nile District in Uganda in 1937
- Studied in Egypt and Israel in the 1950's
- In Europe in 1996
- First detected in New York City in 1999
- Transmitted to people and animals from the bites of infected mosquitoes
- Culex tarsalis, a medium-sized mosquito is the insect vector
- Bird --> Mosquito --> Bird Cycle
- 220 bird species have been reported by the CDC (Center for Disease Control)
- Birds and mosquitoes travel. Birds migrate, bugs up to 22 mi/day.
- Most people do not become ill and have no symptoms
- But, if you get West Nile Virus, it may NOT be a mild disease. Some individuals experience permanent health problems.
- If you have symptoms of West Nile virus, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Viral Fever Syndrome
- Fever
- Headache
- Malaise
- Persists for 2-7 days
Encephalitis and Aseptic Meningitis
- Sudden high fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Coma
- The more severe forms of the disease can result in brain damage or death.
- There is no specific treatment for infection with these viruses.
- Currently, a vaccination or other preventative medicine is not available.
- Supportive care is the only remedy.
- Lack of coordination or muscle control
- Weakness of limbs
- Inability to rise
- Fever (25% of cases)
- Death
Preventative Measures are Available
- Vaccines are available from veterinarians (3) during the season (May-September).
- Veterinary care may run from $3,000.00 to $10,000 and death may result.
The Who, What, When, Where and How's of Protection
- Dusk to Dawn, from May through September is when the bug is most active. ALL age groups are vulnerable in ANY LOCATION if protection measures are not incorporated.
- Dress to Protect - During active mosquito times or in areas where they are located.
- long sleeves
- pants, not shorts
- netting for infants
- hats and gloves
Has been used for over 50 years.- No serious illness has been linked to it's use if you follow the label directions.
- NOT recommended for children less that 2 months old.
General Guidelines for DEET:
- Limit application to once a day (if possible).
- Avoid DEET/Sunscreen combined products.
- A product of 50% DEET or more does NOT increase protection.
Protection time is related to percentage of DEET.
- CDPH&E says children 2 months to 2 years use 10% or less
- 6.5 % = 2 hrs
20% = 4 hrs
23.8% = 5 hrs - Experts say < 30%
All entries and other openings to homes, offices, or work areas should be fitted with tight-fitting screens.- Culex tarsalis is a container breeder, very small amounts of standing water suffices.
Drain incubation sites:
- Old tires
- Rain gutters
- Air conditioners/evaporative coolers
- Cans
- Seepage areas
- Toys
- Over watered lawns
Treat ponds and other sites:
- Small ponds
- Stock water tanks
- Decorative fountains
- BTI Briquets are available to treat 100 sq. feet for 30 days
Our Goal: Find and Control Larvae
- Observe, collect and test dead Corvidae sp., crows, jays, magpies, ravens.
- Review information provided bi-weekly on sentinel chickens and other CDPH&E news.
- Review reports from health care providers, veterinarians, other counties.
- Provide public information.
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