[Press Release] : Additional human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Boone County

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2006

CONTACT: Heather Baer
    	(573) 874-7632

Additional human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Boone
County	
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Two residents in Columbia/Boone County are the
most recent human cases of West Nile Virus reported locally in 2006.
Laboratory tests have shown that one resident has a confirmed case and a
second resident has what is considered to be a probable case. One of the
infected residents remains hospitalized.  The residents are believed to
have become infected in two different parts of Columbia/Boone County.
The two areas include the vicinity of Gillespie Bridge Road and Scott
Boulevard, as well as a part of rural northwestern Boone County.

	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 begin spraying a residential area
near Gillespie Bridge Road and Scott Boulevard tonight after 8 pm. CBCHD
plans to continue this effort on Saturday night as well. CBCHD
Environmental Health staff will also spread larvicide near the affected
areas where it may be most effective.

What you can do to prevent West Nile Virus:
	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
infections may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness,
stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness,
paralysis, and, rarely, death.
	
For more information about 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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