Credit of photo: Illinois Department of Health

Editor’s note:   As of July 13, U.S. states have reported 47 human cases and two deaths from mosquito borne West Nile virus so far this year.  The unlisted states did not report any human case.   Some states did not update as quickly as others.   Also the local health departments often do not report cases promptly.   Therefore, the real numbers of human WNV are likely much higher.

We reviewed the reports published on individual states’ web sites on Friday July 13.   Those who are concerned about the mosquito-borne disease need to pay attention to how to prevent mosquito bites.   We cited an article from the CDC for readers’ reference.  

Idaho (2/0):   The state Department of Health and Welfare updated the West Nile virus activity on July 13 indicating that two persons were infected with the virus in the state, one from Ada County and the other from Payette County.

Nevada (1/0):   Nevada State Health Division reported that so far, one person in Clark County was infected with West Nile virus.   Last year, eight people were infected in the month of July during which none was found in Clark County.

California (9/1):   Nine people were reportedly infected with West Nile Virus with eight in Kern County and one in Joanquin County.   There was a death from the West Nile virus in Kern County.   The virus seems to be more active this year than last year.   In 2006, only one person was infected.

Wyoming (1/0):   Wyoming Department of Health reported on July 3 its first human West Nile virus case in an adult male in Fremont County.   Last year, the state had sixty five people infected with West Nile virus and two deaths from the infection.

North Dakota (9/0): North Dakota has reported nine cases of West Nile virus with four females and five males from five counties. Four people were hospitalized.

Minnesota (1/0):   As of July 13, one person in Polk County of the state has been reportedly infected with West Nile virus.

Nebraska (8/0):   Eight people from six counties including Boone (1), Platte (1), Lincoln (1), Hall (3), Adam (1), and Thayer (1) have been found positive for West Nile virus as far this year.

Colorado (3/0):   Three people have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year. One person was found in Boulder County, one from Cheyenne County and the third one from Logan County.

Texas (1/0):   One person in Texas has been infected with West Nile virus so far this year.   Last year, the virus caused 33 human deaths.

Iowa (2/0):   As of July 13, two persons have been infected with West Nile virus.

Illinois (2/0):   Two persons, one from Cook and the other from DuPage County have been infected with West Nile virus so far this year.

Mississippi (8/1):   Eight people were reported to suffer from West Nile virus and two died from the disease this year in the state.   One case was reported in Lawrence County, one in Madison, three in Rankin, one in Scott and one in Walthall.

Prevention

Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?

A. Here are preventive measures that you and your family can take:

Protect yourself from mosquito bites:

Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the the more active ingredient a repellent contains the longer it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of active ingredient in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer. Click here for more on insect repellent active ingredients. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.

Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.

Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.

For detailed information about using repellents, see the Insect Repellent Use and Safety questions.

Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. Do not apply repellent to skin under your clothing.

When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.

Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.

Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.

Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.

Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.

Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.

Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Kids can learn how to protect themselves from mosquito bites on "The Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus" (on BAM!, the CDC site for kids).

Q. What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus?

A. Prevention and control of West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. These programs should include surveillance for West Nile virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, horses, other animals, and humans, and implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce mosquito populations when necessary. Additionally, when virus activity is detected in an area, residents should be alerted and advised to increase measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes. Details about effective prevention and control of West Nile virus can be found in CDC's Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control (286 KB, 111 pages).

Q. Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis?

A. No, but several groups are working towards developing a vaccine.

Q. Where can I get information about the use of pesticide sprays that are being used for mosquito control?

A. The federal agency responsible for pesticide evaluation is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). See the EPA Web site for detailed answers to the questions about pesticides used for mosquito control.