PA Health Secretary Says Tests Show First Human Case of West Nile Virus This Year in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 20 /PRNewswire/ — Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today reported the first human case of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year. The individual, a 32-year-old York County female, was hospitalized and is home recovering from the illness.

“The fact we have seen the first human infection from West Nile reminds all of us that we should take precautions to help reduce the risk of illness,” Dr. Johnson said. “The chance of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is small and your chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller. However, it is important to keep in mind that all Pennsylvanians — particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems — should take simple precautions to reduce their risk.”

Secretary Johnson recommends these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk:

    — Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep       mosquitoes out of your home;    — Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when       outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and       dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes;    — When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak       mosquito periods (usually April through October); and    — Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.       An effective repellent will contain DEET. Consult with a pediatrician       or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellent       on 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 [p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant-       based repellent, was tested against mosquitoes and provided       protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.   

Pennsylvanians also can reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days.

“DEP and our county partners are working hard to eliminate mosquitoes and mosquito breeding grounds in public areas, but we need homeowners’ help,” Secretary of Environmental Protection Kathleen McGinty said. “For standing water on your property, remember this – dump it, drain it, treat it.”

   McGinty suggests some simple steps that can be taken around the house:     — Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar       water-holding containers that have collected on your property.     — Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires are where       most mosquitoes breed.     — Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.     — Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the       leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains.       Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.     — Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a       wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.     — Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.       Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.     — Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can       become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.     — Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left       untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough       mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may       even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.     — Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your       property. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than       four days. For standing water that can’t be eliminated, homeowners       can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home       improvement, and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria       kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and       plants.   

West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. The virus can cause West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. While anyone can contract the virus, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of developing the disease.

People with mild infections of West Nile virus may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. People with more serious infections may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and paralysis. Dr. Johnson advises anyone with any of these symptoms to contact a doctor. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. While most people fully recover, in severe cases, hospitalization is needed. Pennsylvanians should presume that West Nile virus is present throughout the state and should take appropriate precautions.

Last year, 15 cases of human West Nile virus were detected in Pennsylvania, resulting in two fatalities. In 2003, West Nile virus was detected in 237 Pennsylvanians and contributed to the deaths of eight people.

For more information about West Nile virus, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit the West Nile virus website at http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/ or call the Department of Health at 1-877-PA HEALTH.

    CONTACT: Ron Ruman, DEP             (717) 787-1323              Richard McGarvey, Health             (717) 787-1783              Kristina Watson, Agriculture             (717) 787-5085  

Department of Health; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Pennsylvania

CONTACT: Ron Ruman, DEP, +1-717-787-1323, Richard McGarvey, Health,+1-717-787-1783, or Kristina Watson, Agriculture, +1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/