Second Human Case Of West Nile Virus In Broome County

BINGHAMTON, NY - The New York State Department of Health reported a confirmed diagnosis of West Nile virus in a second Broome County resident. An 85-year old male became ill in early September with progressive fatigue and weakness. He was admitted to the hospital in late September. He remains hospitalized.

Larval and mosquito counts have been relatively low this year due to dry weather, however individuals are still at risk as long as mosquitoes are present. The risk of becoming seriously ill with West Nile virus infection is higher for individuals age 50 or over. This does not mean that people of all ages cannot become infected but they are less likely to become seriously ill. Since individuals of all ages can become ill it is important for everyone to take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. Individuals infected with West Nile virus often have no symptoms, but it can cause flu-like symptoms. In serious cases, it can lead to central nervous system infection. Most people, who are bitten by infected mosquitoes, do not get sick.

The surveillance so far have revealed more infected birds and infected mosquitoes in urban areas of the county. Due to the larger number of people living in urban areas, more dead crows are likely to be seen and reported. Positive birds have been identified in suburban and rural areas this year so West Nile virus is assumed to be present in all areas of the county; the virus has no borders. The location of a positive bird, a positive mosquito pool or even a person with West Nile virus does not mean that there is any more risk of infection in that location than any other.

Based on previous history of West Nile virus in New York State, human cases are most likely seen in September because mosquitoes are most prevalent and active in August. This year dead bird surveillance in one week in August did reveal an increase in dead crow density that could be associated with occasional human disease. The number of dead birds that were reported in Broome County this year was six times the number that were reported last year. However, the number of positive birds was similar for both years. Positive mosquito pools were found in Broome County for the first time since West Nile virus was identified in Broome County. In conjunction with the New York State Department of Health, the Broome County Health Department will review all aspects of the surveillance information and develop surveillance, education and control plans for the 2003 season.

Broome County Director of Health Education and Emergency Preparedness Jan C. Chytilo, urged Broome County residents to remain alert for possible breeding habitats around their homes and businesses. "Broome County residents are important partners in protecting the health of our community," said Ms. Chytilo. "Cleaning up standing water continues to be an important control measure, especially since we have had recent rain." The following steps can reduce potential mosquito breeding sites:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

Most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. "Although it is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, you can help reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes", stated Ms. Chytilo. In addition to reducing standing water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens in good repair. Further actions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes are:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Consider using mosquito repellent containing DEET, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors for long periods of time.

Poorly maintained swimming pools, tire piles and clogged gutters continue to be a common mosquito-breeding site. Please contact the Broome County Health Department Environmental Health Services Division at 607.778.2887 to report any stagnant swimming pools or discarded tire piles. Please continue to report dead crows to the Broome County Health Department Monday through Friday during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 607.778.2887. Residents can listen to recorded information about West Nile virus 24 hours a day by dialing 607.778.3911, option 1. You will not get West Nile virus from dead birds. This information is for surveillance purposes only. In addition, West Nile virus information can be found on the Broome County Website at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd/.

CONTACT:

Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us

Dr. Alan Wabrek, Medical Director,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.2802

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