Medical officials outline West Nile precautions

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Link
  • 366th Aeromedical Dental Squadron
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Days after health officials in Elmore County confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in southern Idaho, representatives with the base public health office outlined steps for people to avoid contracting the virus.

Recent record temperatures and dry weather allowed more mosquitoes to hatch over the past several weeks, increasing their numbers across the county. Health officials detected the virus in several mosquitoes they recently captured.

"Last year, Idaho ranked among the highest in the nation for reported cases of West Nile fever and [brain infections]," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Collupy from the 366th Aeromedical Dental Squadron public health flight. "Mountain Home Air Force Base had 10 confirmed cases."

Mosquitoes spread the virus to people and other animals after they bite infected birds. Normally, it can't spread from person to person or from animal to person, according to officials with the base's public health office. In a small number of cases, the virus spreads through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

"West Nile Virus is now an established disease in our area," Sergeant Collupy said. "It can be expected that a certain percentage of our population will become infected each summer. That percentage is going to be based largely on how well the mosquito population can be controlled, and on how well people protect themselves from getting bit."

About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms, officials said. Of those that become ill, most experience a fever, headache and body aches. In less than 1 percent of cases -- roughly one in every 150 -- the virus causes serious brain infections with symptoms including sudden high fever with headache, neck stiffness and disorientation. The virus is rarely lethal although three people in Elmore County last year died from the virus, the sergeant said.

"Many people were already exposed to the virus without ever having symptoms and remain immune to future infections," Sergeant Collupy added. "Unless you know you were sick from West Nile Virus in the past, there is no way to know if you are immune to the virus or not. Testing for exposure to the virus is only considered when a person has serious symptoms, which may be due to virus infection. Testing is not routinely done for people who are asymptomatic or who have mild symptoms."

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. People with mild symptoms may need over-the-counter medications to treat fevers although those with severe symptoms may need hospitalization.

People with mild symptoms who feel they're affected by this virus should consult with their healthcare provider. Those with any severe symptoms including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness or confusion should immediately seek medical attention, public health officials added.

To avoid mosquito bites and the risk of contracting the disease, the public health flight outlined the following precautions:

- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when many types of mosquitoes are most active.

- When possible, wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks while outdoors.

- For adults and children at least two months old, use an insect repellant containing up to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin.

- Apply permethrin-based repellants directly to clothing. Don't apply it to skin.

- In homes on and off base, make sure external doors close tightly and screens are free of holes.

- Drain standing water around the home. Even small puddles or containers serve as possible mosquito breeding grounds.

- Remove dead birds from around the home. "There's no evidence to show you can get West Nile Virus directly from handling dead birds, but when dealing with any dead animal, don't touch the carcass with your bare hands," Sergeant Collupy said. "Use gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the carcass and place it in double plastic bags before putting it in the trash. Wash hands thoroughly afterward with soap and water."

For more information, call the public health flight at 828-7280 or go online to www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/ and click on the West Nile Virus link.