News Release: West Nile Virus - Season Is Over

For Immediate Release:
November 18, 2002

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: Larry Kettelhut, 314-612-5310

West Nile Virus - Season Is Over

November 18, 2002 - With the cooler weather, West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in the St. Louis metropolitan area has virtually slowed to a stop, and health officials herald the end of a challenging season. As of November 15, there were 129 human cases of WNV in the metro area (62 in St. Louis County, 56 in the city of St. Louis, one in Franklin County, three in Jefferson County and seven in St. Charles). Ages ranged from four to 91 years, with a median age of 53. There were 5 deaths attributed to WNV in Missouri.

The Metropolitan West Nile Virus Task Force- made up of health departments in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin Counties - shared information and resources to meet the challenge of WNV. In recognition of their collaborative efforts in addressing WNV in our area, the group received the "Synergy Award" from the Bi-State Regional Infectious Disease Conference in early November. Dr. Mike Williams, manager of Communicable Disease Control with St. Louis County Department of Health, accepted the award on behalf of the group.

WNV first appeared in our area last fall, when the disease was found in birds such as crows. Mosquitoes feeding on infected birds can pick up the virus and carry it to other birds, horses, many other mammals, and humans. WNV is not transmitted directly from birds to humans or from person to person although nursing mothers may pass it on to their children. Most infections are mild; in fact, some people may not even know they are infected. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Rarely, infection results in meningitis and encephalitis.

Health officials expect to see WNV infections again next year. Some infected mosquitoes will probably survive the winter and spread the disease next spring. The task force plans to build on the experience gained during the past season in order to discourage the spread of WNV in our area. Prevention is a mainstay in combating WNV. Residents should remain vigilant throughout the winter months in preventing the accumulation of standing water where mosquitoes can breed in the spring. Any containers that may collect water should be emptied or thrown out. Prevent water from accumulating in pool covers, and keep gutters and down spouts clear.

For more information on West Nile virus, log on to www.scchealth.org and click on West Nile virus.

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