14th case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Montgomery County. The 14th case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Montgomery County by health officials. “The fourteenth case is a male in his 50’s who resides in Southwest part of Montgomery County. The patient is in stable condition at this time,” said, Jennifer Nichols-Contella, spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Public Health District. This is the first confirmed case since the aerial spraying began on August 23rd when the County Commissioners approved aerial spraying for approximately 240,000 acres with the mosquito control chemical Dibrom. This 14th confirmed case was infected and discharged from the hospital prior to the aerial spray. Dr. Mark Escott, Deputy Health Authority for the Montgomery County Public Health District spoke at the Commissioner’s emergency session on August 18th and urged aerial spraying saying that West Nile presented a significant risk to human health and must be controlled through the application of pesticide. The Court approved aerial spraying for mosquitoes in the areas of the county identified as the most heavily populated with West Nile positive results. Precinct 3 Commissioner, James Noack advises that Precinct 3 is actively taking measures to protect areas that are affected by this disease. This includes the normal practice of monitoring mosquito populations for size and disease activity, eliminating breeding sites (standing water) and treating areas that have been shown to have West Nile. We will continue to increase mosquito testing and trapping sites as well as treatment of the infected areas. Commissioner Noack asks that the public continue to think WET: Wear insect repellent Eliminate standing water Treat standing water that you can’t drain Additional information can be found by visiting precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/ In 2013 Montgomery County had three confirmed West Nile virus cases with the first case confirmed in August. In 2012, seventeen West Nile cases were confirmed in the county. Anybody contracting the disease will usually experience flu-like symptoms about five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They symptoms include fever, headache, muscle weakness, fatigue and nausea, which is severe cases, can progress to seizures, paralysis and even death. Those with weakened immune systems or who are either very young or over the age of 50 are most at risk. West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes get the virus from birds and then pass it on to other birds, animals and people. There have been no concerns related to dead birds and no birds have tested positive for West Nile in Montgomery County. Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. However, some infections can result in serious illness or death. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are two forms of the illness, West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and West Nile fever (WN fever). The symptoms of severe infection from West Nile neuroinvasive disease include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. West Nile fever is the milder form of the illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. DSHS reported 183 human cases of West Nile in Texas last year and 14 deaths. The Montgomery County Public Health District suggests that anyone who shows similar symptoms should see their healthcare provider right away. “Prevention is a key component,” said, Dr. Syed Ibrahim, Chief Epidemiologist at the Montgomery County Public Health District. Residents need to wear protective clothing when outdoors, and make their home unattractive to mosquitoes by emptying containers that may collect rainwater and sprinkler water, said, Ibrahim. Experts believe that the West Nile Virus is a seasonal epidemic of the summer months, just like influenza is to winter. However, West Nile virus can be transmitted year-round whenever mosquitoes are biting, which is why it is best to protect yourself all year. Prevention & Control of West Nile Virus The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family. Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Dont apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing. Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. Mosquito-Proof Your Home Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it. Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis. For more information about West Nile Virus and a West Nile fact sheet, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Website at dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/ ###
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 20:04:25 +0000
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