West Nile Virus
Fight the Bite Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Vector-borne Disease Program faced a new challenge from West Nile virus (WNV) in 2002 as Ohio recorded its first human cases of this disease. Ohio was among the nation's hardest-hit states, recording 140 confirmed and 301 probable human cases of WNV and 31deaths attributed to the virus. The West Nile Virus Workgroup, comprised of ODH and state and federal partners, has been working since 2000 to combat this disease. The plan is being updated for 2003 and, for the first time, will include a multi-media educational campaign. The campaign, to be launched in the spring, will include television and radio public service announcements and outdoor advertisements aimed at raising awareness about personal prevention measures and ways to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
What is WNV?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that, in extreme cases, can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or death. However, human symptoms are generally mild and often mimic the flu. Even in areas while WNV has been reported, less than 1 percent of mosquitoes are infected and only about one in every 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill.
How is WNV spread?
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be spread from person-to-person. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, the mosquito becomes infected. Once a mosquito is infected, it may transmit the virus to people or animals by biting them. Horses are among the animals most prone to WNV infection.
How Can I Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites on My Property?
Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce. Here are some things you can do to eliminate such areas on your property: remove any discarded tires; dispose of tin cans, empty pots and other similar containers; make sure roof gutters drain properly; clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers; change water in bird baths weekly; turn over plastic pools and wheelbarrows when not in use; encourage neighbors to take these steps on their property as well.
What is ODH's Role?
During the 2002 WNV season, the ODH Laboratory (ODHL) tested 840 human samples for WNV. ODHL tested more than 1,800 dead and live birds for WNV, of which more than 1,000 tested positive. ODHL also tested 7,709 mosquito pools for WNV, of which 1,723 tested positive. Also, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) tested 1,217 horses for WNV, of which 647 tested positive. As in past years, ODH will continue its surveillance and educational efforts; however, testing of birds will be limited to two WNV-positives per county. After receiving wo WNV-positive birds from a county, ODH will shift its surveillance efforts toward mosquitoes.
Who are ODH's Partners in the WNV Workgroup?
In addition to ODH and ODA, the WNV Workgroup is comprised of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, the Ohio Mosquito Control Association, the Ohio Environmental Health Association and the United States Department of Agriculture. During the winter months, these groups work together to host more than 100 presentations to citizens, local health departments and other health care professionals on the epidemiology, prevention and control of WNV.
How Can I Protect Myself and My Loved Ones?
ODH continues to call on Ohio's citizens to act as public health partners to help stop the spread of WNV. Here are a few simple steps anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential WNV infection: avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most likely to be biting; if you must be outside during these hours, cover up by wearing socks, shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts; wear light colors as these are least likely to attract mosquitoes; use mosquito repellent containing DEET, 30 percent for adults and 10 percent for children.
Where Can I Find More Information?
ODH Web site: www.odh.ohio.gov and search for West Nile virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: www.cdc.gov and search for West Nile virus. ODH will activate its WNV Information Line - 1-866-634-2968 - after detecting WNV activity in Ohio.
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Last Updated: 05/05/2004 |
