West Nile virus discovered in Cape

and Bob Miller ~ Southeast Missourian

The mosquito-borne virus responsible for the deaths of five Louisiana residents this summer has been found in Cape Girardeau, prompting health officials to call for additional pesticide spraying in the city.

Dr. Christine Frazier, an entomologist with Southeast Missouri State University, said Wednesday the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes taken from two locations in Cape Girardeau.

The infected mosquitoes were found in mosquito traps near the eastern city limits along Highway 177 and near the Route K and Interstate 55 interchange on the west side.

Frazier said she found the virus in one of every five samples of the mosquito population she inspected and estimated that 1 percent of the mosquito population in those pools carried the virus.

In response to the discovery, officials at the Cape Girardeau Public Works Department will increase the city's mosquito fogging efforts from spraying two nights a week to three.

"There's no need to panic. The virus has probably been here for a while," Frazier said. "There have been no reported human cases in the state. The best thing we can say is it's here."

So far this year, 29 states have reported cases of West Nile virus, but only four of those -- Louisiana, Texas, Illinois and Alabama -- have confirmed human infections.

Matter of time

In recent months, cases of the disease in birds and mosquitoes have surfaced throughout Missouri, including St. Louis, Stoddard and Perry counties. Because of this, Frazier said she wasn't surprised it appeared in Cape Girardeau.

"To me, it wasn't a matter of if, but when," Frazier said.

Steve Cook, environmental services coordinator with the city's Public Works Department, said the city will work with Frazier and the county health department to prevent the spread of the virus.

"The population of mosquitoes in Cape Girardeau is actually down some this year," Cook said. "But the type of mosquito that carries the West Nile virus is very resilient, and that population is still here."

The additional fogging on the city's part will help control the mosquito population, but there are also some preventative measures that residents should take, Cook said. Those include emptying any objects that might hold water -- such as old tires, flower pots, pet dishes and trash cans -- and cleaning up debris from around homes. Removing standing water from gutters and flat rooftops is also important.

Health precautions

Jason England, environmental public health specialist, said the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center's primary concern now is education in prevention strategies. Area residents, especially older people with health risks, should avoid going out in the evening without mosquito repellent.

County health officials said natural repellents like citronella candles do work, but should be used more often now. The same goes for spray insecticides, which are most effective when they contain the chemical insect repellent DEET.

The presence of the West Nile virus worries some area residents. Nevertheless, they are taking common-sense steps to avoid the virus.

Lori Elpers said she'll be taking extra precautions now, like spraying herself before she goes out at night.

"You've got to be concerned about it," Elpers said. "It's very creepy."

Darrin Aubuchon said he is disturbed because of a ravine -- and consequently a large population of mosquitoes -- at his McDonald Street home.

"I'm concerned, but what can you do?" Aubuchon said. "You can't just shut down your life."

chitwood@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

bmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127