FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 4, 2005
DHEC issues monthly report on West Nile virus findings
COLUMBIA – Three mosquito pools and a blue jay collected in Charleston County during the month of July tested positive for the presence of West Nile virus, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“South Carolinians should continue to take steps to protect themselves and their families against West Nile virus and other diseases that mosquitoes might carry,” said DHEC Commissioner Earl Hunter.
Hunter said people can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
- using a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions when using any repellent;
- keeping property clear of standing water in which mosquitoes can breed;
- staying inside when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk) or wearing long sleeves and pants;
- keeping screens on windows and doors in good repair; and
- being aware of the symptoms of West Nile virus.
Hunter said a mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes of the same species collected from the same place on the same day.
“Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but if they do it can result in two types of illness,” said Lena Bretous, M.D., epidemiologist for vector-borne diseases with DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “Only 20 percent of those infected with the West Nile virus get a mild fever illness called West Nile fever, which lasts about two weeks. People generally recover from West Nile fever.”
“Only one out of 150 people infected with the West Nile virus develop severe neurological symptoms where the infection affects the brain or other parts of the nervous system. West Nile encephalitis is a more severe illness involving infection in the brain and occurs more often in people over 50. Severe infection of the nervous system can include symptoms like partial paralysis that can take several weeks or months to resolve,” Dr. Bretous said.
The public can help with West Nile virus surveillance by submitting dead crows or blue jays to their local county environmental health office. For guidelines on safely submitting bird samples, visit: www.scdhec.gov/westnile, then link to the “Report Dead Birds for WNV Testing” page.
For more information or assistance with mosquito control efforts, contact your local mosquito control program. For more information on mosquito-borne disease, visit: www.scdhec.gov/westnile.
For updated information about recommended mosquito repellants, visit the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.
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NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS
To enhance the public's awareness about WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, a monthly news release will be sent to news media.
As they are confirmed, WNV confirmations will be posted to the WNV Web site at: www.scdhec.gov/westnile (then click on maps and data for updates about surveillance).
We encourage reporters and editors to check the site regularly for updates, maps and charts.
In case of human death from WNV, a statewide news release will be issued immediately.
For further information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
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