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West Nile Virus In Galveston
County Mosquitoes
La
Marque- The Galveston County Health District has reported that
mosquitoes collected in north Galveston County have tested positive for the West
Nile virus (WNV). Mosquito testing is used to simply verify that West Nile
virus exists in a general location; however, the absence of a positive test for
WNV in any location does not translate to no risk or less risk. All Galveston
County residents are urged to take precautions to prevent the likelihood of WNV
or any other mosquito-borne infections.
Health Officials are not surprised by the recent test findings, since WNV has
already been detected in other parts of the state. Dr. Dana Beckham, Chief
Epidemiologist, reports, “Harris County has reported mosquitoes positive for
West Nile virus since early May and since that time have detected positive
mosquitoes in many areas of their county including the southern portions which
adjoin Galveston County.”
So the key message is do not
panic, but do take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding
sites for mosquitoes says Kurt Koopmann the District’s Public Information
Officer. One of the first lines of defense against getting the illness,
Koopmann says, is using repellant containing DEET or Picaridin. “DEET and
Picaridin are effective repellants that last much longer than others.”
While not every mosquito carries the virus, avoiding mosquito bites is key to preventing
West Nile illness. Health District officials urge people to remember the
Four D’s to reduce the chance of becoming infected:
- Dusk to Dawn – Take extra
care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening
and early morning -- or consider avoiding outdoor activities
during these times
- Dress – dress in long pants and long sleeves when you are outside,
especially in mosquito-infested areas
- DEET – apply insect repellant that contains DEET. Read and follow
label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellant.
Repellants containing Picaridin are also an effective repellant
- Drain – get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood.
Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes
To date,
Galveston County has had no reported human cases of West Nile virus. The symptoms of WNV infection vary depending on the severity of the illness. Approximately 80 percent of people
(about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms which
can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen
lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. One in 150 people
infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include
high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors,
convulsion, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Health
officials advise persons with symptoms of West Nile virus to seek immediate
medial attention.
Koopmann states, “Our message
has not changed. Be aware of
West Nile virus, but also know that the risk remains very low. It is very unlikely that a person will become sick from a mosquito bite, even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to be carrying the
virus. By following the Four D’s
and the precautions they contain people will feel even safer.”
For more Information on West Nile
virus citizens can call (409) 938-2322, or access the following web link:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
Printed in the Daily News
08/17/06
Printed in the Gulf Coast E-news
08/17/06 For More Information
Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org
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