NEWS

For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Mike Williams, Ph.D., Manager, Communicable Disease Control, 314-615-1630 (Pager 314-430-5885)
Joan Bradford, Vector Control Supervisor, 314-725-9312

West Nile Virus Thought To Be A Factor In Death Of St. Louis County Woman

Saint Louis County, Missouri, September 14, 2004 - St. Louis County, MO - Public Health officials in St. Louis County report that a 92-year-old woman has died after being hospitalized with symptoms consistent with West Nile encephalitis. The woman, who lived in Central St. Louis County (63117), died on September 7. Laboratory results received on September 13 confirmed the diagnosis of acute infection with West Nile virus (WNV).

Her only known risk factor is that she was a gardener. St. Louis County Vector Control staff will do a thorough inspection of the vicinity near her residence, and will increase mosquito treatment activities including spraying and larviciding.

Health officials repeat that avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent exposure to WNV. To reduce your risk, take the following preventive steps:

• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Remove tires, buckets, and other water-holding objects from your property.
• Change the water and clean birdbaths at least once a week.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools (or drain and cover if not in use) to prevent water from accumulating in pool covers.
• Unclog gutters and down spouts.
• Make sure drainpipes from gutters and sump pumps are properly sloped so they don't hold water.
• Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors (follow product instructions carefully).
• Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure screens fit tightly in doors and windows.
• Mosquito control products for use in birdbaths, fishponds, swimming pool covers, and horse troughs are available online and at retail stores. Use the right product for the right situation, and follow label directions.

Most human infections are mild. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 15 days after infection, and 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. Persons older than 50 years of age and those with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of severe disease. If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider. For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at 314-727-3097 or log on to www.stlouisco.com/doh. For a recorded message of where the crews will be spraying for mosquitoes, call 314-615-4BUG.

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