[Press Release] : Year's second human case of West Nile Virus verified

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Deidre Wood, Public Information Specialist - (573) 874-7632,
dfwood at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Year's second human case of West Nile Virus verified

COLUMBIA, MO (August 22, 2007) - A woman in her 40’s, from southwest
Columbia, has been tested and verified as the second local human case of
West Nile this year. The woman had traveled outside of Boone County, and
could have been infected in another location.

In a safeguard approach the Columbia/Boone County Health Department
will spray the geographic area, weather permitting, in which the person
resides and one-half mile surrounding it.

The symptoms of West Nile Virus vary depending on the level of
infection. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in 150
people will develop severe illness. Up to 20 percent of those infected
by West Nile will have milder symptoms and approximately 80 percent of
all people who are infected will not show any symptoms. Symptoms can
include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, nausea and
occasionally swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach
and back. 

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. 
● 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.
● 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.

Another important recommendation is to spray clothing with repellents
containing permethrin or DEET. 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.

For the last several years, the Health Department has noticed a trend
that West Nile cases are reported later in the summer. The first West
Nile case this year was reported last Friday, Aug. 17. For more
information on local West Nile Virus, please visit
www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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