DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 5, 2003 DHSS-79-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH REPORTS FIRST HUMAN WEST NILE CASE FOR 2003
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that a New Castle County resident is the state's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The resident's physician describes the individual's current condition as stable. Last October, a Kent County man was diagnosed as the state's first West Nile virus case ever.
West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Humans infected with West Nile virus typically have only mild symptoms similar to a mild flu, if they show any signs at all. Rarely do humans infected with the disease experience sudden onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion and muscle weakness. Individuals with these symptoms should see their physician immediately.
As of September 4, 2003, 2667 human cases have been reported nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Forty-three patients died. In 2002, 4156 cases and 284 deaths were reported. West Nile virus first appeared in Delaware birds and horses in 2000. In 2002, 214 wild birds tested positive for the disease in Delaware, as did 24 horses and six mosquito pool samples. As of September 3, 2003, the Delaware Public Health Laboratory identified West Nile virus in 80 wild birds, 11 sentinel chickens and 21 horses.
Residents are advised to take common-sense precautions against insect bites. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, applying insect repellent containing 50 percent or less DEET for adults and 30 percent or less DEET for children, and avoiding mosquito-infested areas or times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn or throughout the evening. To reduce mosquito-breeding, people should drain or remove items that collect water, such as buckets, birdbaths, rain barrels, old tires, blocked rain gutters and unused swimming pools.
For questions about WNV in humans, and to report suspected human cases, call DPH at 888-295-5156.
To report sick or dead wild birds, call Mosquito Control between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in New Castle County at (302) 323-4492, and in Kent or Sussex counties, call (302) 422-1512.
For questions about animal health, call the Department of Agriculture at 1-800-282-8685 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or leave a message after-hours.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
