News Release: METROPOLITAN WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE

Contact:
Saint Louis County Department of Health:
     Mike Williams, Ph.D., Manager, Communicable Disease Control, 314-615-1630
     Ron Twillman, Manager, Vector Control and Veterinary Services, 314-615-8351
St. Charles County Department of Health: Gil Copley, Director, 636-949-7477
Jefferson County Department of Health: Dennis Diehl, Director, 636-942-3101 x104
Franklin County Department of Health: Conn Roden, Director, 636-583-7300
City of St. Louis: Ellen Ellick, 314-612-5143

Chance of getting sick from West Nile virus is small, but elderly and immune compromised are at higher risk.
Recent rains could bring more mosquitoes.

August 8, 2002 - With recent confirmation of West Nile virus (WNV) in birds and mosquitoes in the St. Louis metropolitan area, many of us are wondering if a mosquito bite could make us sick. The answer, according to health officials, is "probably not." Most individuals, even if bitten by an infected mosquito, won't become seriously ill or even experience any symptoms. However, people over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are likely to be at higher risk. Anyone with a weakened immune system (due to diabetes, AIDS, cancer, or other chronic health problems) should avoid exposure to possible sources of infection, including WNV. Anyone in these higher risk groups should be especially careful to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Most human infections are mild. Less than 1% of people who get bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, but there is a vaccination available for horses. The disease infects birds and is spread through mosquitoes. A diseased bird cannot infect humans - the only way to get it is through a mosquito bite. Dead birds (like any dead animals) should be discarded safely, using gloves, a shovel, or covering the hands with a plastic trash bag.

Recent rains could contribute to an increase in the mosquito population since mosquitoes breed in standing pools of water. Officials are asking residents to empty or throw out any containers in their yards that may have collected water. Prevention is vital in reducing the risk of exposure. Health officials suggest these preventive steps:

• Eliminate standing water sites where mosquitoes can breed
  
• Remove tires, buckets, and other water-holding objects
  
• Change the water in bird baths at least once a week
  
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools or drain and cover if not in use
  
• Prevent water from accumulating in pool covers
  
• Unclog gutters and down spouts
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
  
• Use insect repellents containing DEET (follow product instructions carefully)
  
• Make sure screens fit tightly in doors and windows

St. Louis City and County are no longer asking citizens to report dead birds, as they have enough information on dead birds and are shifting their focus to mosquito control. For more information on West Nile virus, or to report dead birds in St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties, log on to www.scchealth.org and proceed to the West Nile virus page. If you don't have access to the Internet, please call St. Charles County Health Department 636-949-7404, Jefferson County 636-789-3372 or Franklin County 636-583-7300.

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