Health officials detect West Nile virus in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania state officials confirmed on Tuesday that the first mosquito sample to have tested positive for the West Nile virus this year has been found in the state. The West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, has been detected in a town near Altoona, the State officials added.

Considering the different parts of United States, the mosquito-borne virus is transforming its reach to a higher order, probably indicating another epidemic in the coming years. The virus is spreading across the United States like fire, as determined from surveillance of infected birds by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the initial 1999 New York City outbreak, the cases of West Nile Virus have been relatively limited. In 2002, there were a total of 480 reported cases in humans and 24 deaths (as of August 28, 2002). The virus spread to Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Cases are also being seen in the Dakotas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, states along the east coast.

The death count after 2002 was significantly controlled, until last year it accelerated and portrayed a dreadful image of future. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds that harbor the virus.

The virus can not spread from person to person or from infected birds to humans without a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes contract West Nile virus from infected birds. When they feast on blood, they can pump this potentially-fatal virus into a vein and can thus pass it to humans, horses and, in a few cases, dogs.

"As with people, animals become infected with the West Nile virus only after being bitten by an infected mosquito," Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said. "Horses are most susceptible to illness after exposure, and we will continue to work with veterinarians and horse owners across the state to monitor horse populations."

About 80 per cent of people won't show any symptoms or know they have contracted the disease. while the other 20 per cent show only mild symptoms, which include headaches, fever, vomiting and a rash on the stomach, back or chest. More severe symptoms include dizziness and disorientation.

The severest form of the virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Less than one per cent of people, infected with the virus will suffer serious long-term neurological effects, or die.

The recent report of the presence of Wes Nile Virus in Pennsylvania is the earliest in the year that the virus has ever been found in the state. There were nine human cases of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania last year, resulting in two deaths.

Mosquitoes, as well as the virus, grow faster in warmer temperatures. By wearing long sleeves shirts and pants and spraying their clothing with repellent that contains the chemical DEET or picaridin, individuals can protect themselves from mosquito bites. The repellents are important in the early morning and evening hours when mosquito activity is at its highest.

"DEP staff is working with county West Nile Virus coordinators throughout the state to keep mosquitoes under control, but you can take some steps in your own back yard to help," Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "Remember: Dump it. Drain it. Treat it. Dump it if it has water in it; drain it if it can be drained; and treat it if it has standing water."

State officials have offered the following tips to eliminate standing water:

Throw away tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on property.
Pay special attention to discarded tires.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor containers.
Drainage holes located on a container's sides allow enough water to collect for mosquitoes to develop.
Clean clogged roof gutters as needed.
Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, and birdbaths when not in use.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used.
Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

It makes lot of sense to take precautionary action since the virus has claimed 17 people in Canada from 2002 through 2005. Presently, there is no cure, no medications, no specific treatments and no human vaccine. Prevention is the best cure from this subtle virus, caused by the innocuous looking mosquito.