El Paso County reports first 2012 human case of West Nile virus
The El Paso County Health Department confirmed on Friday the first human case of West Nile virus in the county this year.
Dr. Bill Letson, the department’s medical director, said a previously healthy woman in her 60’s is being treated at a hospital for serious symptoms that developed last month.
“A person who is older typically is in an age group more likely to have severe disease (from) West Nile,” said Letson.
Letson said the woman may have been bitten by an infected mosquito while gardening.
“Strangely enough, mosquitoes begin to feed on nectar during late summer and early fall,” he said. “It’s a bit like an antifreeze as the weather gets colder for them. But the virus threat declines as the weather gets colder.”
County resident Kelley Ramos said she and her friends have dreaded the arrival of the virus, and worry about their families’ health.”
“I got bitten two days ago and I just panicked,” she said. “I wanted to go to the hospital right away. My kids have bug spray all the time. I stay away from water puddles.”
“It’s important that people take action to protect themselves from potentially serious illness associated with West Nile virus. Individuals who cannot avoid being outside during dawn and dusk need to take greater precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” Letson said.
West Nile virus has an incubation period of between 2 and 14 days, Letson said, and occurs in three forms – fever, meningitis and encephalitis, all of which can be serious with the latter two being most serious as they are most likely to cause long-term illness, disability and death. The virus can affect all ages.
The Health Department supplied the following information:
SYMPTOMS
West Nile virus involves fever, headache, body aches, neck stiffness, skin rash and muscle weakness. The more severe forms of the virus are those that involve the central nervous system and lead to paralysis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes and fluids around the brain and spinal cord). Only 1 percent of persons infected with West Nile virus develop central nervous system disease. People who experience severe headaches or confusion should seek medical attention immediately.
Key West Nile Virus Precautions:
• When involved in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, this is when greater precautions need to be taken because mosquitoes are most active during these times.
• Wear insect repellant containing DEET.
• Dress in pants and long sleeves outdoors when possible.
• Drain standing water outside in tires, flower pots, etc.
• Treat standing water such as small ponds and livestock tanks with microbial larvicide “doughnuts,” which can be purchased in hardware stores.
West Nile virus was first detected in El Paso County in 2002. The first human cases were reported in 2003.
