Health officials hear West Nile virus concerns

It's far from widespread panic, but some residents in Cape Girardeau are concerned about the fact that a sometimes deadly, mosquito-borne West Nile virus has found its way into their neighborhoods.

Ann Elledge of the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center said the center answered eight phone calls about the virus before noon on Thursday, the day after an announcement that the virus had been found in mosquito samples taken from two locations in the city of Cape Girardeau.

"We are getting lots of phone calls, but nobody's calling in saying they have it, and nobody's been diagnosed with it," Elledge said. "There's no reason for people to be alarmed. They might want to limit their activitiy in the evenings if they're really concerned, but I don't limit my activities."

At Southeast Hospital, 10 phone calls were received by early afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Officials at Southeast and St. Francis Medical Center say they have not treated anyone showing signs of the virus.

Elledge said some are concerned about what the symptoms are and how to protect themselves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the West Nile virus infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.

The CDC reported 112 human cases in 2002, more than half in the past week as the disease has spread quickly south and west. Five Louisiana residents have died from the virus.

It was confirmed Wednesday that a horse in Sedalia, Mo., had died as a result of the West Nile virus.

Similar to flu

The initial symptoms are similar to those associated with the flu: body aches, swollen lymph nodes and fever.

"And that's the problem with it," Elledge said. "They're flu-like symptoms, so a doctor can't just say yes, I have it or no, I don't. You have to be tested for it. What people need to do if they're feeling ill and if they've had a mosquito bite in the last few days, they should go see their doctor."

Dr. Jeffrey Childers said he didn't see any patients with flu-like symptoms on Thursday. And he said even if he did, he probably wouldn't have that patient take a blood test.

"The incidents of this virus are very low and most people who are exposed to it will only have a mild case," he said. "Are we going to test everybody? No. But we would test if the patient's symptoms were more severe."

Fewer than 1 percent of those who become infected develop encephalitis.

Childers said people can get over the West Nile virus on their own, without medication, although other physicians have found that antibiotics are helpful. Childers said the elderly and young children are at the highest risk for neurological complications that can lead to death.

The median age for this year's infections in 55, which is younger than in previous years when the median age was in the mid-60s.

Men made up 60 percent of this year's virus, which is consistent with past years.

Officials everywhere -- from mosquito experts, to the city's public works department to the health center -- are preaching prevention.

They're asking people to remove any trash or containers that could hold stagnant water and to change the water frequently in bird baths and swimming pools.

As a result of the West Nile discovery in Cape Girardeau, the city will begin fogging three days a week instead of two.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

bmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

WEST NILE VIRUS PRIMERQ: How do people get West Nile virus?

A: From the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person.Q: Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?

A: There is no evidence people can get the virus from handling infected birds, but one should not handle dead birds or animals with unprotected hands. Q: Can you get West Nile virus from other insects?

A: Infected mosquitoes are the primary source. Infected ticks have been found in Asia and Africa, but their role in transmitting the virus is uncertain. Q: What are the virus' symptoms?

A: The incubation period is usually five to 15 days. Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, often with skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, coma, convulsions, paralysis and, rarely, death. Q: How is West Nile virus treated?

A: There is no specific treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization is required. Q: How can I reduce my risk of infection?

A: Avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Sparingly apply insect repellent containing 35 percent DEET to exposed skin.* Children should use insecticide with a 10 percent DEET concentration. Q: Where can I learn more?

A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information at www.cdc.gov, or toll-free by phone: English, (888) 246-2675; Spanish, (888) 246-2857; and hearing-impaired, (866) 874-2646.

*Note: Vitamin B and ultrasonic devices do not prevent mosquito bites.

SOURCES: Washington Post; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention