WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2004
HEALTH
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
.
9
Kansans could expect more West Nile
By Julie Jones
jjones@kansan.com
Kansan Staff Writer
The company of mosquitoes used to be just an itchy annoyance. Now these bloodsuckers are capable of transmitting the deadly West Nile virus.
This summer marks the third year for the virus in Kansas. Though the state has yet to report a case of the virus this season, the expectation is that more people will be infected than in previous years, said Myra Strother, Watkins physician.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus caused four deaths in Kansas in 2003. No known University of Kansas students have fallen ill with the virus.
Because 80 percent of infected patients show no symptoms, a student could have the virus unknowingly, said Strother. Once infected, the body is thought to build antibodies and become immune.
Twenty percent of West Nile victims experience a mild ilness, often misdiagnosed as the cold or flu.
Less than one percent of those infected with West Nile virus become seriously ill.
"Most people have such a mild illness
it's not something to be panicked about, but be aware of it," said Strother. "As in anything, if you notice you're feeling worse, go see someone."
Symptoms may appear 3 to 15 days after being bitten. Those with a mild case of the virus may experience a fever, headaches, vomiting, mild rashes, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches.
In severe cases, encephalitis, swelling of the brain, occurs. Symptoms include high fever, disorientation, neck stiffness, paralysis and coma.
Serious cases usually develop in people over the age of 50 or in those with lowered immune systems, said Kathy Colson, Douglas County Health department registered nurse.
Testing for the virus is expensive and only conducted in serious cases. No cure treatment or vaccine exists.
"If you survive it, you survive it on your own," said Colson.
Humans can only contract West Nile virus from infected mosquitoes, not from human to human contact.
Though rare, the virus can be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Colson said prevention was key. When outside, always use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-methylmeta-toluamide). Be extra cautious from
"If you survive it, you survive it on your own."
Kathy Colson
Douglas County Health department registered nurse
evening through early morning when mosquitoes are heaviest.
If possible, cover the body with clothing. Use spray repellent under thin garments, which mosquitoes can bite through.
To disrupt the reproduction cycle, remove standing water from around your home, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Buckets, ceramic pots, pet dishes, gutters, birdbaths, unused tires or other containers that collect water should be emptied every few days.
Mosquitoes contract West Nile from birds, the most common virus victims. Dead birds, especially American crowds and blue jays, are often signs the virus is in your region. Please report sightings to the Kansas Department of Health and Environments' West Nile virus hotline. (877) 228-2287.
— Edited by Joe Burke
Illustration by Donovan Atkinson/Kansan
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