1st Case of West Nile Virus Disease in a Montgomery County Resident
NORRISTOWN HEALTH CENTER POTTSTOWN HEALTH CENTER EASTERN COURT HOUSE ANNEX
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NORRISTOWN, PA — (September 13, 2010) — The Montgomery County Health Department was notified today by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, that a 30-year-old Bridgeport Borough, Montgomery County female has been infected with West Nile virus (WNV). The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories performed the initial test and it was later confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Montgomery County Health Department and Department of Environmental Protection are currently analyzing the need for increased mosquito surveillance and control in the area where the Bridgeport female lives.
West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Usually, the infection does not result in any illness. Older adults and persons with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of becoming ill after a West Nile infection. A severe West Nile infection can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. People with encephalitis may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and coma. Anyone with any of these symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider.
A milder form of infection is known as West Nile fever. In addition to fever, people with this form of the disease may also experience headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. For severe cases, hospitalization is needed and illness can be associated with long-term disabilities and death.
MCHD will enhance existing larvae and adult mosquito collections in the area where the WNV positive were found. Additional controls will be taken as needs are identified.
The Health Department recommends these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk which include the elderly and those with compromised immune systems:
- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home;
- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times of day when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active, during the warmer months of the year (usually April through October);
- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes;
- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. Effective repellents contain DEET. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about the use of repellent on young children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months. Two other insect repellants, Picaridin (KBR 3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant based repellent, were tested against mosquitoes and provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. You can also reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed. Here are some simple steps that can be taken around the house:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires, or any object on your property that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
- Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains;
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;
- Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths;
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish;
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers;
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property; and
- Standing water that cannot be eliminated should be treated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
For more information about West Nile virus, including current test results for mosquitoes and, birds visit westnile.state.pa.us, contact the Montgomery County Health Department at (610) 278-5117 or visit the Montgomery County Health Department Web Site: health.montcopa.org.