Preventing West Nile Virus
Summer Newsletter
By Jodi Klein, RN School Nurse kleinj@boyer-valley.k12.ia.us
May 21, 2009
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States. While the virus mainly infects mosquitoes and birds, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to people and other animals. The virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. It was first reported in the United States in 1999, when 62 cases and 7 deaths in humans from West Nile virus infection were reported in the New York City area.
Should the West Nile virus be a concern for people in Iowa? Yes.
Since 1999, West Nile has spread across the continental United
States. The virus was identified in a dead crow in the eastern part
of Iowa in September 2001. Human cases in Iowa have been reported
every year since 2002.
How is West Nile virus spread? Mosquitoes can spread the virus to
people through a bite. West Nile virus cannot be spread by
person-to-person contact such as kissing, touching, or caring for
an infected person.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? Most people who are
infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience
mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches before fully
recovering. Some persons may develop a skin rash and swollen lymph
glands. In less than 1% of infections, particularly in those
persons over age 50, West Nile virus can cause serious disease such
as encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of severe disease can
include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of
consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
How is an infection with West Nile virus diagnosed and treated? A
healthcare provider can diagnose West Nile virus through special
tests. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, though a
physician may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms.
How can an infection with West Nile virus be prevented?
* Use insect repellents containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or
oil of lemon eucalyptus have shown to be effective against
mosquitoes. Permethrin repellents should be applied to clothing
only and should not be used on the skin. DEET should be applied
sparingly only to exposed skin and should not be used underneath
clothing.
* The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that
replellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2
months old. According to the label, oil of lemon eucalyptus
products should NOT be used on children under 3 years.
* Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever
your are outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are
most active.
