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WEST NILE VIRUS IN MOBERLY BIRDS CONFIRMED


Randolph County Health Department
P.O. Box 488, Moberly, Mo. 65270

For immediate release: September 11, 2002

Contact:
Janet Murray; R.E.H.S.
Randolph County Health Department
(660) 263-6643 Ext. 3043

WEST NILE VIRUS IN MOBERLY BIRDS CONFIRMED

The Randolph County Health Department announced today that it has received word on 4 of the 5 birds submitted for West Nile Virus testing to the University of Missouri Veterinary Diagnostic Center. Environmental Health Supervisor, Janet Murray, announced that three of the birds were positive for the West Nile Virus. One specimen was negative, and results are pending on the 5th specimen. In addition, the Health Department was alerted last week that a horse in Randolph County had also tested positive for the virus.

"At this point, we will not be accepting any additional bird specimens for testing," Murray stated. "We know that it is here. I urge the public however not to panic. Taking routine precautions for mosquito control and staying inside during evening hours when mosquitoes are biting or using a mosquito repellant containing 35% DEET should help to protect you."

West Nile virus was detected in New Your in 1999, and has steadily made its way across the United States. The first Missouri cases were identified in the fall of 2001. The virus progressed faster than anticipated, and word was received that it has been found in California. To date, in Missouri there has been only one death associated with West Nile Virus.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus may appear within 3-15 days after being bitten by an infected female mosquito, however most people never develop symptoms. Early symptoms of mild illness with fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands and sometimes a skin rash may be experienced by about 1% of people bitten by an infected mosquito. Infrequently, the infection may result into West Nile Encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that may be marked by headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. A very small number of cases are fatal.

West Nile Virus is not spread from person to person or from bird to person. In the event of West Nile Encephalitis, supportive therapy may be required, however there are no antibiotics or specific medications to treat the virus. Mild cases of West Nile Virus should be treated like influenza-bed rest, plenty of fluids, and analgesics such as ibuprophin or aspirin to reduce fevers. Positive human cases should be reported to the Health Department.

Murray stressed that people need to make sure that the breeding places for mosquitoes are eliminated. This includes draining standing water around your property; emptying water from flower pots; cleaning leaves out of gutters, which may trap water, disposing of discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans and other items that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs. "The best offense is a good defense in the case of West Nile virus," Murray stated. "If they can't breed in standing water, you get less mosquitoes and lessen the risk of transmission to humans."

For additional information on West Nile Virus or to report human cases, please contact Janet Murray at the Randolph County Health Department (660) 263-6643 Ext. 3043.

The Randolph County Health Department is an equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.