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West Nile Virus Activity in Missouri - Summary As Of August 2, 2002

This is an update on West Nile Virus Activity in Missouri from the DHSS, Section of Communicable Disease and Veterinary Public Health:

The following WNV activity has been observed to date in Missouri:

1. Dead Birds: 23 positive birds in 8 counties. For more information, refer to the DHSS website (see below).
   
   
2. Equine:
   a. 9 PRELIMINARY positive horses
   - 7 in Cole County (1 ill, 1 dead, 5 with no symptoms).
   - 1 in Texas County (symptomatic).
   - 1 in Laclede County (symptomatic).
   
   b. 1 CONFIRMED positive horse - Pettis County (dead).
   
   NOTE: Equine tests are performed at the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Columbia, and are PRELIMINARY. Confirmation must be done at the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa (run by the USDA). Just because a horse in noted above as "dead" does not mean that it died of WNV infection because there could have been other contributing factors (e.g., age, underlying disease, etc.). The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) will perform field investigations on some/all of these cases to gather additional information. Please contact the MDA if you have questions about the field investigations (573-751-3377). Our message to the public and media is that WNV infection in horses is similar to WNV infection in humans, in that most have no symptoms, some get sick , some die - don't panic, but check with your vet to see if you should get your horse vaccinated.
   
   
3. Human: So far this year, 24 persons have been tested for arboviral infection. None have been positive; test results for 2 people are pending.
   
   
4. Mosquitoes: WNV-positive pools have been found in SL County.

Overall assessment: WNV has spread to additional species and counties in Missouri. The risk to humans is probably greater than it was last year, or even at the beginning of this season, but in no way do we think it approximates the problems seen in southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi. People should continue to participate in outdoor activities, but take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites. If they are bitten by mosquitoes and exhibit symptoms compatible with WNV infection 1-2 weeks later, consider seeking medical evaluation.

Please refer the media and public to the DHSS Internet site: http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/WestNileVirus/index.html

LPHAs can get additional information at the DHSS Intranet site: http://dhssnet/SCDVPH/WNVindex.htm

If you have any questions or need additional information please contact us. We'll be glad to help.