By Chris Kirkham
The Daily News

Published July 10, 2003

After seven reported cases of West Nile Virus in Galveston County horses last year, health officials said they are unsure whether the disease will pose any greater risks this year.

“We’re in a real gray zone this year in getting a feel if we’re going to get another epidemic,” said Lelve Gayle, executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station.

The virus reached its peak in August last year, but Gayle said the disease only became visible in the month of July. And since last year marked the first reported West Nile cases in Texas, many health officials have no past evidence to look at.

“There’s no way to know how severe it would be,” Gayle said. “If I were just speculating I would say it wouldn’t be as bad, but that’s just me speculating.”

Gayle and other veterinarians at the College Station lab study the virus by examining blood and tissue samples sent in from veterinarians around the state. Last year, there were 1,699 reported equine cases, and Gayle said there have already been eight or nine horses infected this year. Of the seven horses infected in Galveston County last year, at least two ultimately died from the disease.

West Nile is spread primarily by mosquitoes that contract the disease after feeding on infected birds. These mosquitoes can then infect any other animal they come in contact with, but actual responses to the infection can vary.

Only 1 percent of infected humans will become severely ill from West Nile, but the Texas Animal Health Commission reported that over 36 percent of equine animals could become severely ill without vaccines.

Dr. Terry Conger, state epidemiologist with the commission, said he strongly supported vaccines for equine animals.

“Owners should take action now to get their equine animals vaccinated, before cases become widespread,” he said. “While no vaccine can guarantee 100 percent protection, it’s much better than no protection.”

Vaccinations for horses involve two initial shots, which may take weeks to become effective. In most cases, a booster shot is required every year, but in areas particularly affected by the virus a shot every six months is needed.

Veterinarian Richard Henderson with the Galveston Veterinary Clinic said he has given about 75 to 100 shots this year – not nearly as many as last year. He said he attributed last year’s numbers to the increased news coverage about the virus.

“Once we see a few cases in the media, public awareness will probably take off,” he said.

Although humans have a greater tolerance to the disease than horses, Texas had 202 human cases of West Nile Virus, resulting in 13 deaths. Nationwide, there were 284 human deaths caused by West Nile in 2002.

While no cases of West Nile have been reported in Galveston County so far this year, the Galveston County Health District is monitoring signs of the virus.

Health district epidemiologist Chuck Chambers said the district will be on the lookout for dead birds and large mosquito populations.

He advised, however, that county residents remember the four Ds – dusk to dawn (staying indoors at this time when mosquitoes are most active), dress (wear long pants and long sleeves when around mosquitoes), DEET (wear insect repellent with deet) and drain (make sure there is no standing water around your home).

Although Chambers said he wasn’t sure if the virus would be more of a threat to Galveston County this year, he said the virus’s initial outbreak is usually the worst.

“It seems to pass through areas and sort of burn out,” he said. “When it hits a new area it seems to cause a lot of problems…but it may gradually fall into a lower endemic level.”

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org