DGMC offers advice on West Nile virus

  • Published
  • By 60th Medical Group Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Labor Day weekend and the end of summer are the weekend, so it's important for Travis members and their families to remember we are still in the midst of a major West Nile virus season in 38 states.

Due to a relatively mild winter and short, hot summer, as the weather cools, mosquitoes will be out in higher numbers throughout Northern California, which ultimately causes increased risk for vector-borne infection, such as WNV. This virus is found in both temperate and tropical regions, having been first identified in the West Nile sub-region in the East African nation of Uganda in 1937.

To date, there have been no reported human cases of WNV in Solano County, but birds and mosquitos in the county have tested positive. Although Solano County has not seen human cases of this virus, it is important to note that several neighboring counties have.

Nationwide, there are more than 1,100 reported cases, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people, making this year's outbreak one of the worst since the disease was first detected in the United States in 1999.

The worst year on record is 2003, in which the country saw 9,862 cases of West Nile virus infection and 264 deaths. Health officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say they expect reported cases to rise dramatically. The disease generally peaks in mid-August to early September and new infections generally take a couple of weeks to show up in the tally.

"We expect many more cases to occur," said Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the division of vector-borne infectious diseases at the CDC.

The number of people infected has risen substantially in the past few weeks. Just one month ago, a mere 29 cases had been detected. To date, 47 states had reported indications of the virus in humans or animals; only Alaska, Hawaii and Vermont have so far been spared.

To maximize safety, the public health flight at David Grant USAF Medical Center offers the following valuable information.

"Mosquitoes become infected by acquiring the virus after biting an infected bird. Humans are at risk for infection if they are bitten by one of these infected mosquitoes," said Lt. Col. Natalie Johns, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health flight commander.
"While most individuals infected with WNV will not experience symptoms, about 20 percent will."

Typical symptoms include fever, headache, general body weakness, muscle and joint pain and occasional nausea and vomiting.

"People who need to be the most cautious are the elderly and those with a weakened immune system from illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or someone undergoing treatment for cancer," Johns said.

To decrease the risk of infection, it is important that everyone stay vigilant by reducing the opportunity for mosquito bites. One of the best ways to do this is eliminate their breeding grounds. Mosquito breeding grounds include any area of standing water.

Below is a short list of places around your home that may be potential mosquito breeding sites:

-- Standing water in flower pots, buckets and barrels;

-- Your pet's water dish (if not changed daily) and bird baths;

-- Tire swings (drill a few holes in them to allow water drainage), and;

-- Children's wading pools.

"Since most areas on Travis are not accessible to local mosquito control authorities, it's up to you to 'police' your homes," Johns said. "Additionally, given the slow economic recovery of the past few years, a number of foreclosures in neighboring civilian communities has led to many outdoor pools being left unattended. These are significant, potential breeding grounds."

If you are aware of unmaintained pools, Jon Blegen, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District manager asks that you report these to the district by calling 437-1116.

To ensure you are taking all necessary measures to prevent infection, Solano County Public Health officials urge residents to remember the five D's of prevention:

Dawn and dusk: Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts when you are going to be out at these times;

DEET: Use insect repellent that contains DEET (non-DEET alternatives, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus, also are approved by the EPA);

Doors and windows: Make sure screens are tight fitting and doors close completely;

Drain: Remove standing water around your house or use mosquito fish in areas that accumulate water. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in as little as several tablespoons of standing water. Mosquito fish are available free of charge through the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District, and;

Dead birds: Report dead birds online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD. Citizen reports of dead birds help the state track WNV and can also be important in predicting where human cases may occur.

Although there is no evidence WNV can be acquired by handling dead birds, it is best not to handle any dead bird with your bare hands. Use gloves, a shovel or a plastic bag to place the bird in a trash bag for disposal. Do not freeze dead birds.

For more information, contact DGMC's public health flight at 423-5464 or visit the WNV websites at http://www.cdc.gov/ or http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.