[Press Release] : Human case of West Nile Virus reported in Boone County

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2006


CONTACT: Heather Baer
         (573) 874-7632


Human case of West Nile Virus reported in Boone County		
							
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - A Sturgeon resident has been tested and is
considered to be the first probable human case of West Nile virus in
Boone County in 2006. In an effort to control the infected mosquito
population and prevent further spread of West Nile Virus, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends spraying the
geographic area in which the person was infected and one-half mile
surrounding it. The Columbia/Boone County Health Department (CBCHD)
follows the CDC recommendations for spraying and will spray the area at
least three times within the next week. In addition, CBCHD Environmental
Health staff will spread larvicide and distribute repellants to
residents of Sturgeon.
	The most effective way to fight West Nile Virus is through
preventive measures. Residents are reminded to take the necessary
precautions needed to protect themselves and reduce the mosquito
population on their property. 	
	* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or
similar water-holding 		containers.
	* Remove all discarded tires on your property. 
	* 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 at least weekly.
	* Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
	* Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot
tubs. 
	* Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all
screens are in 	good repair.
	* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are
outdoors.
	Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET
since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Apply insect repellent
sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35
percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations
(greater than 35 percent) provides no additional protection. Repellents
may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the
hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent,
be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as
printed on the product.
	According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in
2005 approximately 1,300 people in the United States infected with West
Nile virus came down with the neuroinvasive form of the disease and 119
people died. Most human infections are mild. Symptoms usually appear
three to 15 days after infection and include fever, headache, body
aches, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe
infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis,
and, rarely, death.
	For more information on local West Nile Virus test results this
year in birds, mosquitoes and horses go to www.GoColumbiaMo.com and
enter GoWestNile in the search box.


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